Gombe Local Government Polls: APC Sweeps All Chairmanship, Councillorship Seats

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has achieved a clean sweep in the recently concluded local government elections in Gombe State, securing victory in all 24 chairmanship and 240 councillorship positions. This declaration was made by Abdullahi Garba, Chairman of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission (GOSIEC), who confirmed the APC's dominance across all local government councils and wards within the state.

Garba highlighted the election as a significant milestone, primarily due to the expansion of the electoral landscape. The process, he explained, was broadened from 11 local government areas to 24 administrative councils following Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's approval for the creation of 13 additional Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). This initiative aims to bring governance closer to the populace.

Reflecting on the changes, Garba noted, "The last cycle of elections in 2023 was conducted in 11 local governments. But His Excellency created an additional 13 Local Council Development Areas to bring development closer to the people." He further elaborated on the process, stating, "We met, made our suggestions to him, and His Excellency graciously approved them. We also visited other states, including Lagos, where elections had already been conducted using LCDAs, and after studying their experiences, we returned and secured the necessary enabling law through the House of Assembly."

This expansion significantly increased the number of available positions. Chairmanship seats grew from 11 to 24, while councillorship positions surged from 114 to 240. Garba expressed his satisfaction, remarking, "It was 11 local governments then, but now we have 24. We had 114 ward councillors before, but today we have 240 councillors. I think it is a great achievement, and we say thank you to His Excellency."

While multiple political parties participated in the election, Garba revealed that only a few managed to field candidates across all the newly established councils. The APC, he confirmed, contested the full cycle in all 24 local governments. In contrast, the African Action Congress (AAC) presented candidates in only three local governments, the Democratic Leadership Alliance in six, and the Youth Party in three. Similarly, the Zenith Labour Party and the National Rescue Movement each contested in three local governments.

Garba concluded by extending gratitude to all stakeholders, including political parties, election observers, civil society organisations, security agencies, and the media, for their contributions towards ensuring a peaceful electoral process.