The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned attacks on its supporters during the homecoming reception of its 2027 governorship candidate, Professor Isa Pantami, in Gombe State.
The party described the incident as barbaric and undemocratic, warning that intimidation and violence would not stop its quest to defeat the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 governorship election.
The PDP’s position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed.
Several party supporters were reportedly assaulted during the homecoming rally organised for Pantami on Wednesday.
A viral video circulating on social media showed suspected thugs attacking and manhandling some PDP supporters. Several vehicles were also reportedly vandalised during the incident.
Reacting, the opposition party called on security agencies to investigate the attacks and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The statement read, “While celebrating this historic reception, the PDP strongly condemns the attacks on innocent citizens and our supporters, including the destruction of vehicles and the injury of party supporters.
“We consider these acts barbaric, undemocratic and completely unacceptable. No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. We call on the security agencies to investigate these incidents and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The party insisted that the attacks would not weaken its determination to defeat the APC in 2027, urging Governor Inuwa Yahaya to prepare for an honourable exit.
It also described the reception for Pantami as evidence of growing public support for political change in the state.
The PDP urged its supporters to remain peaceful, united and focused despite the reported violence.
It further pledged to protect Gombe State’s resources, insisting that the state’s wealth should serve the interests of its residents rather than a privileged few.
The statement said, “The PDP is particularly concerned about the protection of Gombe State’s commonwealth. The resources of the state are not a political inheritance, personal entitlement or bounty to be shared and squandered by a privileged few. They belong to the people of Gombe and must be managed in their collective interest with the utmost prudence, transparency and accountability. The PDP is determined to protect this commonwealth.”
The party expressed confidence that Pantami’s leadership would usher in what it described as a new era of purposeful governance, with priorities including accountability, infrastructure development, job creation, economic opportunities and public empowerment.
It added, “Gombe belongs to its people. Its resources belong to its people. And its future must be determined by its people.”
The PDP called on residents to sustain the momentum generated by Pantami’s homecoming reception and vote for him and other party candidates in the 2027 general elections.