By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The 2027 governorship race in Gombe State received a major boost on Saturday as more than 1,500 Gombe indigenes employed at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) unanimously endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, declaring their unwavering support for his bid to lead the state.
The endorsement, which took place during a solidarity gathering attended by staff from various departments and cadres within KEDCO, was marked by emotional tributes and expressions of gratitude to the former KEDCO chief, who is widely credited with facilitating employment opportunities for over 1,500 Gombe youths during his tenure.
The workers described Dr. Gwamna as a visionary leader whose interventions transformed the lives of thousands of families across Gombe State through job creation and human capital development.
In a strong show of loyalty, the beneficiaries pledged not only their votes but also the support of their families, relatives, and associates for the APC candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
“We are here to stand firmly behind a leader who invested in our future,” the group declared. “Dr. Gwamna is a man of vision, compassion, and proven capacity. We are fully committed to supporting him until he emerges victorious in 2027. Our families, relatives, and well-wishers are also solidly behind him.”
The endorsement carries significant political weight given the large number of beneficiaries whose employment at KEDCO has been linked to Dr. Gwamna’s leadership and commitment to empowering Gombe indigenes.
The event also featured the virtual participation of KEDCO Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, who joined from Saudi Arabia where he is currently performing the Hajj pilgrimage. Dr. Jimeta, himself regarded as one of the beneficiaries of opportunities created during Dr. Gwamna’s tenure, commended the initiative and highlighted the positive impact of the APC candidate’s leadership.
Speakers at the gathering praised Dr. Gwamna for what they described as his foresight in investing in people rather than merely pursuing projects, noting that many of those employed under his watch have risen through the ranks to occupy strategic managerial and administrative positions within the company.
They further argued that his track record makes him the most suitable candidate to consolidate and expand on the achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, education, and youth empowerment.
The emotional highpoint of the event came when Dr. Gwamna responded to the overwhelming show of support. Visibly moved and struggling to contain his emotions, he expressed profound appreciation to the workers for remembering and acknowledging the opportunities he helped create years ago.
“Seeing you all today fills my heart with joy,” he said. “This gathering is a testimony to the power of opportunity and the importance of investing in people. I am proud of what each and every one of you has become.”
He noted with satisfaction that many of the former beneficiaries had advanced in their careers and now occupy influential positions within KEDCO, describing their success stories as one of his greatest achievements.
Dr. Gwamna urged them to remain committed to excellence and continue contributing to the growth and stability of the electricity distribution company while serving as worthy ambassadors of Gombe State.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, the APC governorship candidate reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance and people-centred development, promising that job creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth would form the cornerstone of his administration if elected.
“My doors remain open to all individuals and groups willing to partner for the progress and prosperity of our dear state,” he said. “Together, we will build a future of opportunity, unity, and shared success.”
Political observers described the endorsement as a significant addition to Dr. Gwamna’s growing support base, particularly among young professionals and workers who see him as a leader with a proven record of empowering people through employment and economic opportunities.
The event drew a diverse audience of clerics, business leaders, politicians, APC stakeholders, and community figures, further underscoring the broad coalition of support emerging around Dr. Gwamna’s governorship aspiration.
With the 2027 governorship contest gradually taking shape, the endorsement by over 1,500 KEDCO workers is expected to strengthen the APC candidate’s standing and reinforce his image as a leader whose impact extends beyond politics to the lives of ordinary citizens.
For the beneficiaries gathered in Kano, however, the message was simple and unanimous: the man they credit with opening the door to their careers deserves their support in his quest to lead Gombe State.
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