Babangida Usman, the secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Gombe Local Government Area, has formally resigned from the party and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring his support for Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami's governorship bid ahead of the 2027 elections.
Usman's Resignation and Defection
Usman, also known as Babangida Ventures, made the announcement in Gombe on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, confirming that he had resigned as the ADC local government secretary before completing his registration with the PDP, according to PM News. The Nation reported the development, highlighting the growing political realignment in the state.
His defection is part of a broader wave of political shifts in Gombe State, as politicians and supporters from various party backgrounds rally behind Pantami, who is expected to fly the PDP flag in the state's governorship election.
Why Usman Backed Pantami
Usman explained that his decision was driven by a firm belief in Pantami's competence, experience, and leadership vision for Gombe State. He described the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy as the most credible and capable candidate in the 2027 governorship race.
In his statement, Usman expressed confidence that a Pantami-led administration would deliver meaningful development across the state. He added that his desire to contribute actively to the realisation of Pantami's governorship ambition and the broader transformation of Gombe was what ultimately pushed him to switch parties.
Political Realignments Around Pantami
The move comes amid a series of political realignments in Gombe since Pantami emerged as the PDP's governorship candidate. Pantami, who left the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2026, joined the PDP to pursue the party's ticket, and his candidacy has attracted support from across the political spectrum.
This consolidation of support signals a strengthening of Pantami's campaign as the 2027 general elections approach. The elections, scheduled for January 16, 2027, will see Nigerians vote for president, vice president, senators, and House of Representatives members, while state governorship and House of Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
ADC's Rejection of Deregistration Order
In a related development, the ADC has strongly opposed a federal high court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others. The party described the judgment as an attempt to use the judiciary to undermine Nigeria's democratic process.
In a statement, ADC national spokesperson Abdullahi condemned the ruling as unconstitutional and deeply troubling. According to the ADC, the decision runs contrary to established legal precedents and even conflicts with positions previously advanced by INEC on the issue of political party deregistration.
