Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Gombe State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, has resigned from the party and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Saleh, who contested the PDP governorship ticket against former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, announced his defection in a statement made available to journalists in Gombe. He also urged his supporters across the state to join him in the APC and support the party’s candidates at all levels of government.

The defection comes amid political realignments in Gombe State as parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 general elections. Saleh’s move follows a prolonged dispute over the PDP governorship ticket, during which Pantami’s initial primary election was challenged in court before a rerun was conducted. His departure could influence political alignments in the state as the PDP continues to face internal challenges ahead of the polls. Saleh called on his supporters to rally behind the APC as he aligns with the ruling party ahead of the forthcoming election.