The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the reception accorded to its Gombe governorship candidate, Isa Pantami, as overwhelming, predicting APC’s defeat in 2027.

The party advised Governor Inuwa Yahaya to prepare for defeat, saying the reception demonstrated growing public support for its candidate. The PDP stated this in a statement on Thursday.

The party thanked Gombe residents for the unprecedented show of love, solidarity and support during Mr Pantami’s homecoming.

“What Gombe witnessed today was more than a political reception. It was a powerful demonstration of the people’s collective aspirations and an unmistakable statement about their preferred political direction,” it said.

The PDP described the crowd, excitement and affection displayed by residents as extraordinary, adding that the reception was comparable to the historic mass following and public affection enjoyed by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It was a moment that clearly demonstrated that Pantami has struck a powerful chord with the people of Gombe,” it added.

However, PDP condemned alleged attacks on residents and PDP supporters, including vehicle destruction and injuries sustained by party supporters, describing them as barbaric, undemocratic and unacceptable, urging security agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

“No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen,” said PDP, cautioning against intimidation, threats and violence in response to the PDP’s growing popularity across the state.

PDP insisted that residents must not be threatened or silenced over their political choices, stating, “Democracy must be guided by the will of the people, not by coercion or political desperation.”

The party declared that intimidation, sponsored violence and abuse of state power would not prevent the APC’s defeat in 2027, noting that the “overwhelming reception for Professor Pantami and the PDP has demonstrated that the appetite for change in Gombe is real and growing”.

The statement urged PDP supporters and residents to remain peaceful, united and focused despite alleged provocations.

(NAN)