Former Governor of Gombe State and Senator representing Gombe North, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to prioritise strengthening the party’s internal structures over engaging in premature political ambition.
Speaking during an Expanded Stakeholders Meeting in Gombe, Senator Dankwambo clarified that the purpose of the gathering was to update members and stakeholders on party activities ahead of the forthcoming National Executive Council, NEC, meeting.
The senator explained that the series of recent consultative meetings, held with party executives, local government chairpersons, and elected representatives from all 11 LGAs, had laid a foundation for greater transparency and internal cohesion.
“Today, we have listened to various speakers who provided insight into the direction of our party and the urgent need for unity,” he stated.
Senator Dankwambo appealed to party faithful to understand and be patient with divergent political views emerging from different senatorial zones.
“Everyone has a unique approach to politics. We must understand these differences and remain committed to unity, especially as we prepare for what lies ahead,” he said.
Dankwambo, who was unavoidably absent at the NEC meeting due to his daughter’s wedding, gave the assurances to stakeholders that key NEC members such as the House Minority Leader, Dr Ali Isa JC, had been adequately briefed to represent Gombe State’s interests and share relevant developments from the national level.
He praised the PDP for being the only political party in Nigeria to have successfully completed congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels.
“All that remains now is the national convention. We are setting a democratic standard, and no other party has reached this point,” he stated.
Addressing speculations about his future political aspirations, Senator Dankwambo emphasised that he was currently not interested in seeking the presidency.
“This is not the time to discuss elections. Our focus should be on building a stronger party. Aspirants must put their ambitions on hold,” he insisted.
The Gombe North Senator also reaffirmed respect for national political hierarchies, noting that figures such as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, as well as current Vice President Kashim Shettima, remain leaders deserving of honour, regardless of party affiliation.
Senator Dankwambo appealed to all levels of the party structure, from local foot soldiers to senior stakeholders, to remain steadfast in their commitment to the PDP.
“If we successfully consolidate our party, everyone’s aspirations can be realised in due course,” he said.
Reflecting on the recent wedding of his daughter, Dankwambo extended heartfelt appreciation to the people of Gombe and notable figures across party lines, particularly the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
“I want to specially thank Governor Yahaya and the APC leadership for organising a wedding reception without any financial contribution from me. It was a demonstration of honour for Gombe State,” he said.
Senator Dankwambo also acknowledged the Emir of Gombe for his hospitality and fatherly role during the ceremony, noting that the event brought national attention to Gombe and ended peacefully.
In his remarks, the Senator Representing Gombe South Senatorial District, Senator Anthony Siako Yaro, stressed that the extended Stakeholders’ Meeting was aimed at disabusing people’s minds about the lack of unity in the party, saying the presence of major Stakeholders of the party in the state provided the evidence of oneness of the party.
Senator Siyako said PDP was not a one-man business and as such no single person could control it.
He stressed that the PDP had consolidated and grown from the roots and because of that, it was still living as a party in Nigeria, despite various challenges it encountered.
Speaking on those party members who had defected to other parties without first resigning from the PDP, the Gombe South Senantor said already the Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Dr. Ali Isa JC, had announced that the services of Senior Advocates had been sort to go after them and ensure that the right thing was done.
He emphasised that there was only 100% loyalty acceptable in the party and as such, the issue of defecting without resignation would be tackled.
Confidence Okwuchi