Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Gombe State Government has ordered the immediate expulsion of Gombawa Motors Nigeria Limited from the Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo Mega Park, a move that has sparked fierce controversy over allegations of political victimisation and the weaponisation of state infrastructure against political opponents. The transport company was issued a 24-hour quit notice on June 25, 2026, barely two days after it publicly declared its support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Professor Isa Ali Pantami.
The expulsion notice, signed by the Managing Director of Principal Facilities Management Limited, Mayo Ani, directed Gombawa Motors to vacate the state-owned terminal within 24 hours. The letter cited repeated violations of the park's operational regulations, failure to comply with management directives, and complaints from other transport operators. Copies of the notice were forwarded to the Gombe State Police Command, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Company Alleges Political Retaliation
Reacting to the expulsion in a statement obtained on Saturday, the company's Secretary, Muhammad Umar, described the action as politically motivated and a “constitutional rape” by Governor Inuwa Yahaya's administration. “The expulsion came shortly after the company openly identified with Professor Isa Ali Pantami. The timing raises legitimate concerns over political interference,” Umar said. He also faulted the notice for failing to state the specific offences allegedly committed by the company.
Umar argued that restrictions introduced during the restructuring of the Mega Park, including terminal allocations and limitations on independent loading, had concentrated transport activities under government control, setting a trap for political opponents. “In November 2025, through an official circular, the administration imposed strict terminal allocations. Gombawa Motors was directed to Terminal 9 for its key inter-state routes. Independent loading was banned. Satellite parks were closed. The entire transport sector was deliberately locked inside one Government-controlled space so that access could be withdrawn whenever political loyalty wavered,” he alleged. He maintained that supporting Pantami was a legitimate democratic choice and that no Nigerian statute gives any governor the power to punish a private enterprise for refusing to support the ruling party.
The Chairman of Gombawa Motors, Alhaji Ibrahim Mustafa, further revealed that the dispute intensified after some of the firm's buses were hired by the PDP for political engagements, noting that leasing vehicles to political parties forms part of the company's legitimate business operations. He maintained that the company had never previously endorsed any political figure but reserved the constitutional right to associate with and support any political cause. “We are businessmen, not law enforcement agents. Hiring out our buses is a commercial service available to everyone. The Constitution guarantees our freedom of association and political choice,” he said.
Government Insists on Rule of Law
The General Manager of Gombe Line, Dr Sani Sabo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Gombe Mega Park, dismissed allegations of political victimisation, insisting that the decision was taken strictly in line with the park's operational regulations. “They are not above the law,” Sabo said. He confirmed that Gombawa Motors had been removed following repeated breaches of operational guidelines over an extended period despite several warnings and engagements. “The decision was purely administrative and should not be interpreted through a political lens. We have regulations that govern activities within the park, and every operator is expected to abide by them. Several warnings were issued, but there was no satisfactory compliance,” Sabo said.
Political Conversations Deepen Ahead of 2027
The eviction has deepened political conversations in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with supporters of Pantami describing the action as an assault on democratic freedoms. They argued that public infrastructure should not be weaponised against businesses or citizens because of their political leanings. “If commercial operators begin to suffer consequences for exercising their rights to political participation, it could create an atmosphere of fear and discourage open democratic engagement in the state,” a Pantami ally told Leadership.
As of the time of this report, the Gombe State Government had not issued an official response to the company's allegations of political intimidation. The incident has drawn national attention and raised fundamental questions about the independence of state-owned enterprises and the protection of citizens' constitutional rights in an increasingly polarised political climate.
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