Supporters of Ali Isa JC across the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency in Gombe State celebrated on Saturday after he emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election. The political atmosphere turned festive as the two-term lawmaker secured victory in the party's primary election.
Primary Election Details
Isa, who represents the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, won the APC primary after weeks of political consultations, internal party negotiations, and growing tension among aspirants over the selection method. The lawmaker had initially been endorsed by party stakeholders as a consensus candidate, but some aspirants opposed this and demanded direct primaries. Consequently, the APC leadership approved direct primaries for House of Representatives aspirants, leading to a competitive contest that drew party members across the constituency into an intense political exercise.
With the conclusion of the exercise on Saturday, Isa emerged victorious by what supporters described as a landslide margin, reinforcing his influence within the constituency and strengthening his position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Isa's Reaction and Call for Unity
Reacting after the announcement, Isa described the victory as a reflection of the confidence party members have in his representation and leadership. “To God be the glory, I have emerged victorious in today’s primary election. This victory confirms the trust and confidence reposed in me by stakeholders and members of our great party,” he said.
The lawmaker, popularly known as Makaman Cham, pledged to work with all factions within the APC to ensure unity ahead of the general elections, stressing that internal reconciliation would remain a priority. In an effort to calm post-primary tensions, Isa extended an olive branch to his opponents and urged party members to avoid bitterness and division. “The APC is a big tent that can accommodate everyone. We cannot afford to be bad winners or bad losers. We must come together in the interest of our people and our party,” he stated.
Appreciation and Security
Isa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the APC national leadership, and state party officials for what he described as a transparent and peaceful primary process. He further commended security agencies for maintaining order during the election and thanked party members across Balanga and Billiri for their support and participation.
Political Significance
The APC primary in the constituency is considered one of the closely watched contests in Gombe politics due to the strategic importance of the federal constituency and Isa's growing political profile within the state. Political observers believe the outcome may shape political alignments in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as parties begin early mobilisations across the North-East.
Future Plans
Isa assured supporters that if re-elected, he would continue to focus on infrastructure development, human capital investment, and constituency projects aimed at improving the lives of residents. He also reserved special appreciation for his family, political associates, and loyal supporters whom he credited for standing by him throughout the political process.
With the APC primaries gradually concluding in several states, attention is now expected to shift toward opposition parties and possible coalition movements ahead of the 2027 polls.
