Gombawa Motors Links Gombe Park Eviction to Political Affiliation

Gombawa Motors Nigeria Limited has publicly stated that its recent expulsion from the Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo Mega Park in Gombe State was politically motivated. The transport company claims this action occurred shortly after it publicly endorsed Professor Isa Ali-Pantami, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a viral video, Muhammad Umar, the company's Secretary, rejected allegations of violating the state-owned terminal's operational rules. He asserted that the decision was a punitive measure against the company for exercising its constitutional right to political association. Arewa PUNCH highlights that Gombe State is currently governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umar emphasized that the timing of the expulsion raised significant questions about the underlying motives. He specifically noted, “The expulsion came shortly after the company openly identified with Professor Isa Ali Pantami. The timing raises legitimate concerns over political interference.”

According to reports, Gombawa Motors received a directive on June 25, 2026, to vacate the Mega Park within 24 hours. This notice was issued by Principal Facilities Management Limited, the firm responsible for managing the terminal, and was signed by its Managing Director, Mayo Ani. The notice indicated that the decision stemmed from a resolution by the Mega Park Management Committee, which accused the transport company of repeated breaches of park guidelines, non-compliance with management directives, and generating complaints from other operators.

Copies of this eviction notice were also dispatched to GROCOL, the Mega Park Management Committee, the Gombe State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

However, Gombawa Motors countered these claims, arguing that the allegations were vague and lacked specific evidence. The company pointed out that the notice failed to detail the exact infractions it purportedly committed. Umar reiterated, “The notice failed to clearly specify the alleged violations. Support for any political figure is a constitutional right protected under the Nigerian law.”

Umar also voiced concerns regarding recent operational adjustments made during the Mega Park's restructuring. He alleged that these changes had centralized transport operations under government control through specific terminal allocations and restrictions on independent loading activities. He maintained that the company’s removal from the terminal constituted a violation of constitutional protections. “This action raises constitutional concerns regarding freedom of association and the right to fair hearing. A major private transport operator should not be removed without due process and clearly established procedures,” he declared.

Arewa PUNCH further noted that while the management's expulsion notice did not explicitly mention political motives, the action followed just two days after Gombawa Motors publicly backed Pantami.

When contacted, Dr. Sani Sabo, the General Manager of Gombe Line, confirmed Gombawa Motors' expulsion from the Mega Park. However, he dismissed any claims of political interference, stating, “They are not above the law,” and insisted that the decision was based purely on the company's alleged failure to adhere to the park's operational regulations. As of the time of this report, the Gombe State Government has not issued an official statement regarding Gombawa Motors’ accusations of political intimidation, maintaining through the Mega Park management that the company's expulsion was in accordance with established operational rules.