Retired DCP Mohammed Ahmed (right) with former Gombe State Governor and incumbent Senator, Danjuma Goje,
By Peace Udugba
A major political upset occurred in Gombe State on Monday as retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mohammed Ahmed defeated former Governor and incumbent Senator, Danjuma Goje, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Gombe Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ahmed secured a landslide victory in the direct primary election, polling 42,785 votes to defeat Goje, who garnered 10,425 votes across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the senatorial district.
The results were announced by the Returning Officer, Dr. Habu Dahiru, following the conclusion of the exercise, which party officials described as peaceful and orderly.
Mohammed Ahmed, popularly known as “Jarman Deba,” had earlier emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC for the seat, reportedly enjoying the backing of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Goje, who served as Governor of Gombe State from 2003 to 2011 and has represented Gombe Central in the Senate since 2011, suffered one of the biggest political defeats of his career with the outcome of the primary election.
Supporters of Ahmed celebrated the victory across parts of the district, describing it as a new political direction for Gombe Central ahead of the next general election.
Speaking after the exercise, Ahmed said the people of the district were eager for stronger representation and a fresh voice at the National Assembly.
“You can see the excitement among the people. Many believe the time has come for Yamaltu-Deba to have a stronger voice at the national level,” he stated.
The retired police officer added that his ambition was driven by the desire of the people for change and improved representation rather than personal rivalry.
Meanwhile, Goje has reportedly rejected the outcome of the primary, describing some of the circulated results as fake and urging his supporters to remain calm while awaiting official party clarification.
