The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reportedly expelled two of its chieftains in Gombe State over alleged anti-party activities, adding another layer to the political disagreements confronting the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes amid growing tensions within the party, particularly over its leadership structure and the contest for the Gombe State governorship ticket. The disciplinary action also raises fresh questions about the PDP’s ability to manage disagreements among influential members while preparing for another major electoral contest.
The party’s internal challenges have attracted attention in recent months, with disagreements involving governorship aspirants, competing political interests and disputes over the nomination process.
Gombe PDP faces growing internal disagreements
The latest development follows earlier disciplinary measures against two prominent governorship aspirants, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki and Usman Aliyu Garry.
On September 30, 2026, the Gombe State PDP announced their one-month suspension over alleged anti-party activities and conduct the party considered capable of creating divisions among its members.
The decision followed an emergency meeting involving the State Working Committee and executives of Dawaki and Herwagana wards, where the two politicians were registered members.
According to the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, the politicians allegedly engaged in conduct that violated the party’s constitution and threatened its internal cohesion.
The party particularly raised concerns about comments attributed to Mailantarki following the September 29 governorship primary rerun. He reportedly challenged the declaration of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the party’s candidate and maintained that he was the rightful winner.
Garry also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primary, raising concerns about the voting process in his area.
The party subsequently referred both politicians to its Disciplinary Committee for further consideration.
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Pantami’s emergence intensifies political tensions
The disagreements followed a prolonged struggle over the PDP governorship ticket in Gombe State.
On September 24, 2026, the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe nullified the earlier primary that produced Pantami as the party’s governorship candidate and ordered a fresh exercise.
The judgment followed a legal challenge by Garry, who questioned the validity of the process through which the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy emerged as the party’s candidate.
The PDP subsequently conducted another primary on September 29, with Pantami emerging as the winner.
However, the outcome did not immediately resolve disagreements among the aspirants and their supporters. Instead, the post-primary controversy exposed the competing interests within the party and created another challenge for its leadership.
The development is particularly significant as Gombe remains an important political battleground ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Back story: PDP’s struggle to maintain unity ahead of 2027
The crisis in Gombe reflects a broader challenge facing the PDP as it attempts to strengthen its political position ahead of the next general elections.
Internal disagreements over candidate selection, party leadership and political loyalty have continued to create difficulties for the opposition party in different parts of the country.
In Gombe, the governorship ticket controversy has moved through legal proceedings, a court-ordered rerun primary and disciplinary action against dissatisfied aspirants.
The situation has also attracted attention following the emergence of Pantami, whose political profile and previous experience as a federal minister make him a significant figure in the state’s political landscape.
For the PDP, resolving these disagreements will require more than disciplinary measures. Reconciliation, transparent internal processes and meaningful engagement with aggrieved members could prove important in preventing further divisions.
What the development means for PDP ahead of 2027
The reported expulsion of the two chieftains represents another development in the party’s efforts to enforce internal discipline in Gombe State.
However, disciplinary action alone may not address the political disagreements underlying the crisis. The party must also consider how to rebuild confidence among members who feel dissatisfied with its internal decision-making processes.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the PDP faces the task of consolidating its support base, strengthening its organisational structure and presenting a united front against political opponents.
Whether the latest decision will bring stability or generate further disagreements remains an important question for the party’s leadership.
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