Gombe State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has inaugurated a 25-member APC Reconciliation Committee with a charge to heal internal divisions, strengthen party cohesion and position the ruling party for a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.
The governor declared that the party’s target is not only to retain all elective positions in the state but also to deliver no fewer than one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while ensuring the election of the APC governorship candidate, all six National Assembly candidates and the 24 House of Assembly candidates.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Government House, Gombe Thursday, Governor Inuwa Yahaya appealed to party members aggrieved by the outcome of the recent congresses, primary elections and local government polls to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue in the overall interest of the party.
He explained that the committee became necessary following the series of political activities conducted by the APC in recent months, including congresses at various levels, governorship and legislative primaries, as well as the recently concluded local government and Local Council Development Area elections.
The governor acknowledged that while the exercises were largely successful, some outcomes were naturally disappointing to certain aspirants and party faithful.
“Perfection belongs only to Almighty God. As human beings, we are bound to make mistakes in our daily dealings. It is therefore understandable that some decisions and outcomes arising from these political processes may not have gone down well with some of our members, particularly those who aspired for elective offices but were unsuccessful.”
He said the reconciliation committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, was established to engage all aggrieved members through peaceful dialogue with a view to rebuilding trust, fostering forgiveness and reinforcing the unity of the party.
“We need to sheath our swords and embrace dialogue so that we can put our house in order as the 2027 general elections draw closer. Our strength lies in our unity, and together we must build a stronger and more formidable APC.”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged the committee to discharge its assignment with fairness, sincerity and absolute commitment, stressing that its success would be crucial to the party’s electoral fortunes.
He also cautioned members to maintain strict confidentiality throughout the reconciliation process to prevent sensitive information from being exploited by political opponents.
The governor charged the committee to co-opt additional members where necessary and, if required, decentralise its operations across the state’s three senatorial districts to fast-track the reconciliation exercise.
Expressing confidence in the calibre of the committee members, whom he described as accomplished politicians, administrators and academics with proven integrity and experience, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said he was optimistic that the committee would deliver on its mandate and further consolidate the APC’s dominance in Gombe State.
The committee’s terms of reference include serving as the party’s internal conflict resolution and peace-building body; identifying and documenting grievances arising from recent party activities; engaging aggrieved members, aspirants and stakeholders; mediating among contending groups.
Others are: promoting dialogue, mutual respect and party unity; advising the State Working Committee on reintegration of aggrieved members; ensuring reconciled members align with the APC manifesto and the Governor’s development agenda and carrying out its assignment strictly in accordance with the APC Constitution.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman and Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau thanked the Governor and the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee and assured that members would work diligently to accomplish the assignment.
He pledged that the committee would engage all stakeholders with fairness and sincerity to strengthen the APC and guarantee its continued electoral success.
Earlier, the Gombe State APC Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Dantata Ndus, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for constituting what he described as a credible and highly respected reconciliation committee.
He urged the members to justify the confidence reposed in them by working tirelessly to reunite the party and consolidate the achievements of the Inuwa Yahaya-led APC administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Segun Awofadeji
