In a major political upset that could redefine the balance of power in Gombe State, former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed, has defeated longtime political heavyweight, Danjuma Goje, to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Gombe Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The outcome of the direct primary election marked the end of Sen. Goje’s attempt to secure a fifth consecutive term in the Senate, bringing to a halt a political dominance that had lasted for over 15 years.
Key Highlights:
- Mohammed Ahmed defeated Danjuma Goje in the APC primary for Gombe Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Ahmed won with 42,785 votes, while Goje received 10,425 votes across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba LGAs.
- The result ended Goje’s bid for a fifth consecutive Senate term and marked a major political shift in Gombe State.
- Ahmed, believed to be backed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, said the victory reflected the people’s desire for change and stronger representation.
- Political analysts say the outcome strengthens Governor Yahaya’s influence within the All Progressives Congress and could reshape the party’s future dynamics in Gombe State.
Announcing the results, Returning Officer, Habu Dahiru, said Ahmed polled 42,785 votes to decisively defeat Goje, who secured 10,425 votes across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas.
Ahmed, widely regarded as the consensus candidate backed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, described the exercise as a reflection of the people’s growing desire for political change and renewed representation.
“The atmosphere reflected the growing support for change,” Ahmed said shortly after the declaration of results.
“This ambition is driven by the desire of the people for a new direction.”
The victory is a significant shift in Gombe Central’s political landscape, where Goje has remained one of the most influential figures since leaving office as governor in 2011 and transitioning to the Senate.
For years, Goje maintained a firm grip on the district’s political structure, surviving multiple electoral cycles and retaining influence within the APC.
His defeat, however, signals what many party supporters and residents describe as the emergence of a new political order.
Ahmed further underscored the growing agitation for broader representation within the district, particularly from Yamaltu/Deba axis.
“Many believe the time has come for Yamaltu-Deba to have a stronger voice at the national level,” he said.
Across parts of the senatorial district, supporters celebrated the outcome, viewing it as a turning point that could usher in generational and political realignment within the ruling party.
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Efforts to obtain an immediate reaction from Sen. Goje were unsuccessful.
However, one of his aides said the former governor would seek clearance from his principal before making any public comment on the development.
The primary election, which was conducted under tight security and monitored by party officials, is expected to have far-reaching implications for the APC’s internal dynamics in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say the result not only strengthens Gov. Yahaya’s influence within the party structure but also demonstrates the increasing role of consensus-building and grassroots mobilization in shaping the APC’s future in the state.
With Ahmed now carrying the party’s flag into the general elections, attention is expected to shift toward how the APC manages post-primary reconciliation and whether Goje’s extensive political network will remain aligned with the party going forward.
