A new era awaits Gombe as females take the reins, says PDP hopeful vying for governorship

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A 33-year-old governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Monica Yahaya, has declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, promising inclusive leadership, women empowerment and grassroots development.

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She made the declaration on Tuesday shortly after obtaining her nomination form at the PDP secretariat in Gombe, where she said her years of community service and engagement with rural women inspired her ambition.

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“I’m into community development. I work with rural women. That is how I picked my interest to contest for this position,” she said.

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The aspirant said her mission is to bridge the leadership gap by giving women and young people stronger representation in governance.

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“I see a gap that we need to close. How we can close it is by representing women positively,” she stated.

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Speaking on what she would do differently if elected governor, Monica insisted that women possess the capacity to deliver effective leadership when given the opportunity.

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“If opportunity is given, Gombe people will see a difference. When you give a chance to a woman to be in this position, you will see the wonders that she will perform,” she said.

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According to her, women remain largely marginalised in politics despite their contributions to society.

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“We are all raised by women, right? And we have seen how they can be able to do it. So when we are given the opportunity, we can perform best, carry our people, represent our youth, especially the upcoming ones,” she added.

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The PDP aspirant also stressed the need to empower youths to reduce idleness and social vices.

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“If they are busy, they will be productive,” she said.

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Despite concerns about women’s participation in politics, Monica expressed optimism, saying the support she is receiving from women and even men across the state shows that people are yearning for change.

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“Many women have been kind of scared. But now, with this kind of movement, you can see the support is massive,” she said.

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“Even the men are shouting for change. They need women in leadership positions. Everybody is tired,” she added.

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Commenting on the PDP’s internal challenges nationally, the aspirant said she remains confident the party will overcome its difficulties before the 2027 elections.

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“We are very confident. Very soon, everything is going to be settled, and we are hopeful everything is going to be well,” she said.

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Yahaya disclosed that her ambition is being supported by women’s groups, including the Gombe Women’s Agenda, while noting that female aspirants were granted waivers on nomination forms.

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“They are doing a full waiver to female aspirants for the tickets. We only get to pay for the expression of interest, and that is one million naira,” she explained.

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The governorship hopeful also criticised the level of women’s inclusion in the current administration in the state, promising that her government would prioritise women, youths and social welfare.

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“If I’m given an opportunity, my own system will be entirely different. I will carry women along. I will make sure our girls and youths are safe,” she said.

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She further identified water supply as one of the major challenges facing residents of the state.

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“We all know that we have problems with water in Gombe State. I have seen a rich man buy dirty water. Even with your money, you cannot get water when you want it. I’m going to make water very available by God’s grace,” she pledged.

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The aspirant, who claimed to have spent over two decades in the civil society space, said her direct engagement with women and youths in rural communities has prepared her for leadership.

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“I have like 25 years, if not more, and I have direct contact with women and youths at the rural communities,” she said.

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