As Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State nears the end of his second term, the big question on everyone’s mind is who will take over from him in 2027. The governor has made it clear that he wants a successor who shares his vision for development and can continue the work he has started. He says he is already working to make sure the right person is chosen.
“The car is already in motion, my hands are on the steering, my legs are on the brakes, and I will make sure we land safely by getting the right and ideal successor,” Governor Yahaya said.
But with many people interested in becoming governor, the process is not simple.
Some people worry about “political godfatherism,” where one person picks the next leader based on loyalty, not what is best for the people. Governor Yahaya says he is not a fan of this, but he also knows that Nigerian politics often works this way. He wants to protect his legacy and make sure Gombe continues to develop, not to control the next governor.
The dangers of a bad succession can be seen in places like Rivers State, where the relationship between the current governor and his predecessor fell apart, causing months of trouble and even a state of emergency. Gombe must avoid this kind of crisis.
On the other hand, some states have done well with succession. Lagos State is a good example. Since former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu started a strong succession plan, Lagos has seen steady development. Governors like Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu have all added to the progress, but the credit for the plan goes back to Tinubu.
Other states like Kogi, Kano, and Borno also show how good succession can help development. In Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum stood by his predecessor, Vice President Kashim Shettima, when others tried to push him aside. In Kogi, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has shown loyalty to former Governor Yahaya Bello, even during tough times. In Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has made it clear that he is loyal to his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
These governors were not desperate for power. They earned the trust of their mentors and the people by working hard and staying humble. Their states are better for it.
Back in Gombe, Governor Yahaya must choose a successor who is loyal, competent, and accepted by the people. One name that keeps coming up is Engr. Aliyu Muhammad Kombat. He is calm, respected, and has a record of loyalty and good leadership. He is not loud or pushy, but he is known for supporting Governor Yahaya’s policies and projects.
Engineer Kombat has even asked his supporters to focus on supporting Governor Yahaya and his work, not on pushing for his own ambition. This kind of humility is rare in politics. Many people see him as the best choice for Gombe’s future.
Among political leaders, Kombat is being called Governor Yahaya’s “Ododo Pro Max”—a top-quality successor. He is popular with young people and has worked hard at the community level. He understands Governor Yahaya’s vision and has supported it, not competed with it.
As 2027 gets closer, Governor Yahaya must make a choice that will protect his legacy. Gombe cannot afford political trouble. The progress made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security must not be lost because of a bad successor.
It is not our job to pick the next governor, but it is clear that Engr. Aliyu Kombat is the kind of leader Gombe needs for stability and continuity. The choice is up to Governor Yahaya. Will he leave behind a strong legacy, or will Gombe face the kind of trouble seen in other states? The answer will shape the future of Gombe.
Conclusion
Gombe stands at a crossroads. The decision Governor Yahaya makes will decide the future of the state. The people are watching, and they hope for a leader who will keep Gombe moving forward.
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