Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Gombe State, Kelmi Jeacob Lazarus, has officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring his support for Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the party's governorship candidate for the 2027 election. Lazarus, who was the SDP flagbearer in the 2023 Gombe State governorship election, announced his decision on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, following what he described as extensive consultations with his supporters and political associates. His defection comes at a critical time as the PDP seeks to rebuild its political strength in the state after the recent loss of former Senator Usman Bayero Nafada, who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
In a statement announcing his decision, Lazarus, popularly known as Madocin Tangale, expressed confidence in Pantami's ability to provide effective leadership for the state. He described the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy as the most qualified candidate in the race and urged residents of Gombe State to rally behind the PDP in the interest of the state's development. "I joined the Peoples Democratic Party after careful consideration and consultation with my supporters. My decision is based on my conviction that Professor Isa Ali Pantami possesses the vision, competence, integrity and leadership capacity required to provide purposeful governance and advance the development of Gombe State," Lazarus said. He further called on his supporters and the people of Gombe to support the PDP, saying, "Professor Pantami stands out as the most qualified candidate in this race. I therefore call on my supporters and the good people of Gombe State to rally behind the PDP in our collective interest for the progress and prosperity of the state".
Reacting to the development, the Gombe State chapter of the PDP described Lazarus's defection as a major boost to the party's growing support base, saying it reflected increasing confidence among political leaders and stakeholders in Pantami's leadership and the party's vision. The party said it warmly welcomed the former governorship candidate and his supporters into its fold and assured them of equal opportunities to contribute to its goal of building what it described as "a more united, peaceful and prosperous Gombe State". The PDP noted that the growing number of political figures identifying with the party demonstrates that its message of unity, peace and inclusive development continues to resonate across Gombe State.
Lazarus, who is also a former SDP chairman in the state and previously served as the General Manager of Radio Gombe, brings significant political experience and grassroots support to the PDP. His defection is expected to strengthen the party's campaign to unseat the ruling APC administration in the next governorship election. The move comes months after Pantami himself defected from the APC to the PDP and emerged as the party's governorship candidate following the Gombe PDP governorship primary in May 2026. Pantami's emergence was initially contested by some PDP governorship aspirants who alleged that due process was not followed, but the party has since rallied behind his candidacy.
The defection of Lazarus adds to the growing political realignment in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as opposition parties seek to present a united front against the APC's hold on power in the state. Pantami's candidacy has been endorsed by several groups, including the Muslim Rights Concern, which described him as "eminently qualified" for the position. However, the APC has maintained that Pantami remains a member of the party until all due processes are properly followed, dismissing claims that President Bola Tinubu endorsed his defection. As the political landscape continues to shift, Lazarus's decision to join the PDP and back Pantami represents a significant development in Gombe State's political dynamics, with both parties now positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship election in 2027.
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