Dankwambo to Gombe PDP members: Suspend your ambition, let’s rebuild the party first

Ibrahim Dankwambo, former governor of Gombe, has asked members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to shelve their political ambitions for the time being to rebuild the party.

Dankwambo spoke on Sunday at the PDP’s expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe state.

The former governor said the party needs to rebuild its house before members can vie for different political offices.

“This is not the time for looking for political offices. This is the time to build our party. If you have an ambition without a platform, you don’t have an ambition. So, we are building our party as of today,” he said.

The main opposition party has been battling protracted internal wrangling since the 2023 elections, which has led to many members, including sitting governors, defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a separate post on social media on Monday, Dankwambo said PDP enjoys firm political dominance in Gombe.

“I am convinced beyond any doubt that Gombe state is and remains PDP’s stronghold, an integral part of our national fabric,” he said.

“The remarkable solidarity displayed by leadership at all levels, as well as members of the national and state assemblies elected under the PDP banner, is unprecedented and a testament to our resilience and unbreakable bond.”

He called on PDP members who are “disillusioned or hesitant due to minor disagreements or challenges” to return to the party.

Dankwambo said the PDP is at a crossroads, noting that Nigeria needs the party “more than ever to salvage its democracy, and to chart a new, hopeful future for our nation”.

Ali Isa, minority whip of the house of representatives and member representing the Balanga/Billiri federal constituency of Gombe, said during the stakeholders’ meeting that the PDP had overcome its internal rift.

“We had family differences, and we have resolved them. The national crisis has been resolved. There are no issues at the ward level, local government, state, and zonal,” Isa said.

Inuwa Garba, former speaker of Gombe state house of assembly and member representing Yamaltu/Deba federal constituency, said the party is re-strategising to win elective offices.

Tony Yaro, senator representing Gombe south, said the party has enlisted the services of senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to challenge the defection of lawmakers elected on the party’s platform and ensure their seats are declared vacant.