Goje Denies Defection Rumours, Says He Remains APC Member Amid 2027 Uncertainty

Former Gombe State Governor and Senator representing Gombe Central, Danjuma Goje, has dismissed speculation that he has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he remains a member of the party.

Goje made the clarification while addressing a large gathering of constituents and supporters at his residence in Pantami, Gombe State.

The statement comes amid growing speculation about his political future following the controversy surrounding the APC’s 2027 senatorial ticket for Gombe Central.

Goje told his supporters that, despite reports suggesting otherwise, he had not joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any of the emerging opposition parties.

He said he remained an APC member and urged his supporters not to spread or believe unverified reports about his political affiliation.

However, the former governor stopped short of confirming whether he would contest the 2027 senatorial election, saying he was still weighing his options and would personally communicate his decision to his supporters.

Goje explained that his consideration of another Senate bid was largely influenced by pressure from his supporters, particularly young people, rather than a personal ambition to remain in elective office.

The former governor reflected on his more than four decades in politics, saying he had contested eight elections, participated in eight party primaries and won every general election he contested.

Goje served as governor of Gombe State from 2003 to 2011 before moving to the Senate, where he has represented Gombe Central since 2011.

He recalled that in 2019, shortly after Governor Inuwa Yahaya assumed office, he informed his supporters that he no longer intended to seek elective office.

According to him, he had already occupied several major political positions, including member of the State House of Assembly, minister, governor and senator.

He said he eventually agreed to contest again in 2023 following significant pressure from his supporters, who organised his campaign and mobilised resources despite his initial reluctance.

Gombe Central Ticket Dispute

The uncertainty over Goje’s political future is linked to the ongoing debate over the APC’s 2027 senatorial ticket for Gombe Central.

Goje has represented the district for four consecutive terms, while supporters of political rotation argue that the seat should now move to Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area after his lengthy tenure.

Those backing Goje, however, maintain that there is no constitutional or statutory limit on the number of terms a senator can serve.

The controversy intensified after retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmadu emerged as the APC candidate for Gombe Central, raising fresh questions about Goje’s next political move.

Despite the development, Goje said he had not decided to leave the APC.

He also indicated that his political calculations would not necessarily be limited to candidates within the ruling party, saying he would assess candidates across the APC, PDP, ADC, PRP, NDC and other political parties.

Goje urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid being influenced by false information or political provocation.

He further assured them that his support for his constituents would continue regardless of whether he eventually contests the 2027 election.

For now, the veteran politician has left open the question of whether he will seek another Senate term, pursue a different political platform or step away from elective politics.

What remains clear is that Goje is still an APC member, while his eventual decision could significantly influence political calculations in Gombe Central ahead of the 2027 elections.