Gombe, Nigeria — In a significant political shift, Khamisu Mailantarki, former governorship candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Gombe State, has officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside thousands of his supporters.
Mailantarki made the announcement on Saturday at a PDP gathering organized to welcome the new members in Gombe.
Mailantarki cited his confidence in the leadership of Ibrahim Dankwambo, a prominent PDP figure, as a primary reason for his return to the party. He highlighted Dankwambo’s leadership qualities as instrumental in his decision.
“We initially began our political journey with the PDP, later becoming founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and along the way, we chose to join the NNPP,” Mailantarki explained. “However, we are now back home in the PDP, reassured by the leadership of Dankwambo.”
Mailantarki also voiced sharp criticism of the ruling APC administration in Gombe State, accusing it of failing to address the needs of economically disadvantaged citizens.
He expressed particular concern about policies under the APC government, including the seizure of land and the introduction of mandatory biometric attendance for public workers.
He argued that this requirement unfairly affects those struggling with transportation costs, especially in a period when some states have reduced their workdays to alleviate economic pressures.
At the event, the PDP chairman in Gombe State, retired General Abner Kwaskebe, officially welcomed Mailantarki back into the party, presenting him with a PDP membership card. Kwaskebe reaffirmed the party’s resolve to restore PDP leadership in Gombe by 2027.
“In 2027, we will do everything humanly possible to regain leadership in Gombe State,” Kwaskebe stated, adding that the PDP is committed to fostering unity among both new and returning members.
This development signals a strategic boost for the PDP in Gombe, as Mailantarki and his supporters bring renewed energy and momentum to the party in the lead-up to future elections.