Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress senatorial ticket for Gombe Central ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former governor was defeated in Monday's direct primary election by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed, who enjoyed the backing of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as reported by Daily Trust.
APC Primary Election Shakes Gombe Politics
Results announced by the returning officer, Dr. Habu Dahiru, showed that Ahmed polled 42,785 votes, while Goje secured 10,425 votes across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas, the two councils that make up the senatorial district. Ahmed had earlier emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC for the seat before the primary election.
Goje has represented Gombe Central in the Senate since 2011 after completing two terms as governor of the state. His defeat is expected to alter the political equation within the district and the ruling party in Gombe State.
Ahmed Promises Stronger Representation
Speaking after the exercise, Ahmed described the primary as peaceful and orderly. He said residents of the district were eager for a fresh direction in representation at the National Assembly.
“You can see the excitement among the people. Many believe the time has come for Yamaltu-Deba to have a stronger voice at the national level,” he stated. The APC candidate added that his ambition was driven by public demand for change rather than personal rivalry.
An aide to Goje declined to comment on the outcome, saying he needed approval from the former governor before speaking with journalists.
APC Releases Names of Disqualified Reps Aspirants
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the All Progressives Congress had released the names of House of Representatives aspirants disqualified from participating in its screening process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The affected aspirants are from Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi and Rivers states. The party disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
