The Gombe State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council, Jamilu Gwamna, has provided insights into why Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the state against Bola Tinubu, the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President-Elect, in the recent presidential election. Atiku garnered 319,123 votes, defeating Tinubu, who received 146,977 votes in Gombe State. In an interview with journalists on Thursday, Gwamna attributed Abubakar’s victory to his identity as a son of the North-East rather than a preference for the PDP over the ruling APC.
Gwamna emphasized that the performance of the PDP in the presidential election would not necessarily be mirrored in the upcoming governorship election, as the contexts differ. He stated, “The people of Gombe didn’t vote for the PDP because they wanted the party, but rather for Atiku Abubakar as an individual from the North-East. Additionally, there were supporters of Bola Tinubu. We received nearly 30 percent of the votes, while the PDP secured about 58 percent. This election was not solely about the PDP; it was about personality. We are seeking a candidate who will foster development in the state.”
While acknowledging Tinubu’s victory, Gwamna noted that the votes from Gombe State played a significant role in his emergence as President. He remarked, “Their votes have enabled him to become our next president, as the President-elect mentioned in his acceptance speech. When he received the Certificate of Return, he expressed respect for all Nigerians, both those who voted for him and those who did not, promising to work with everyone regardless of party affiliation. This, to me, exemplifies true statesmanship.”
Gwamna called on the opposition to collaborate with Tinubu, recognizing that no system is perfect. He expressed optimism about the future of democracy in Nigeria, stating, “I believe Nigeria has reached another milestone, especially in the transition between democratic dispensations. This election has highlighted the power of the youth in Nigeria, demonstrating that they have realized their crucial role in nation-building.”
He urged those dissatisfied with the election results to embrace peace for the sake of the country, emphasizing that without peace, there can be no Nigeria. “Elections worldwide are never perfect, and I encourage everyone to respect each other’s choices and party affiliations,” he said. Gwamna also appealed to the residents of Gombe State to re-elect Governor Muhammadu Yahaya to continue his developmental initiatives. “As we approach the next election, I urge the people of Gombe State, regardless of party affiliation, to come out in large numbers to vote for Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the APC candidate, to ensure continuity in Gombe State. We believe our candidate offers the best hope for the future,” he concluded.
Comments are closed for this story.