By Charles Pemu 
GOMBE – Former Governor of Gombe State and Senator representing Gombe North, Ibrahim Dankwambo, has reaffirmed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains a key political leader in northern Nigeria, regardless of his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking at an expanded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe on Sunday, Dankwambo stated, “It’s not about party lines right now. Atiku Abubakar is our leader in the North. We love and respect him. His stature as a former Vice President remains, whether he is in PDP or ADC.”
He also acknowledged other political figures from the region, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Vice President Namadi Sambo, describing them as respected northern leaders. “We hope Shettima even joins our party one day,” he added.
On speculation about his 2027 presidential ambition, Dankwambo ruled it out. “I’ve contested before, but I have no current interest in running for president. Let us focus on rebuilding the party. Power comes only from God.”
Dankwambo said the purpose of the meeting was to brief members on developments from the recent PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) session in Abuja. He highlighted that the PDP remains the only party to have completed its congresses at all levels and is on track for its national convention.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Anthony Siyako (Gombe South) dismissed rumours of internal crisis, pointing to the strong attendance by elected officials. “Seeing all of us here—members of the National Assembly and State Assembly—shows the party is united,” he said.
Commenting on Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Siyako added, “Wike is one individual. PDP is not a one-man business. The party has grown from the grassroots and is resilient. Unlike other parties, we are not just a meeting point—we are a movement.”