PDP aspirant Monica Yahaya declares for the Gombe governorship race, pledging women inclusion, youth empowerment and better welfare
Thirty-three-year-old governorship aspirant Monica Yahaya on Tuesday declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
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Yahaya made the declaration shortly after obtaining her nomination form at the PDP secretariat in Gombe, where she outlined plans centred on inclusive leadership, women empowerment and grassroots development.
The aspirant said her interest in governance grew from years of involvement in community development and direct engagement with rural women across the state.
“I’m into community development. I work with rural women. That is how I picked my interest to contest for this position,” she said.
Yahaya stated that her ambition is driven by a desire to strengthen the representation of women and young people in leadership and decision-making processes.
“I see a gap that we need to close. How we can close it is by representing women positively,” she added.
Speaking on her vision for the state, the PDP aspirant argued that women have repeatedly shown the capacity to deliver effective and compassionate leadership when given opportunities.
“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.
Yahaya also highlighted youth empowerment as a critical part of her agenda, stressing that engaging young people productively would help reduce idleness and social problems.
“If they are busy, they will be productive,” she said.
The governorship hopeful expressed optimism about the growing support she has received across the state, noting that many residents are increasingly open to female leadership.
“Even the men are shouting for change. They need women in leadership positions. Everybody is tired,” she stated.
Commenting on challenges within the PDP at the national level, Yahaya said she remains confident that the party would resolve its internal issues before the 2027 elections.
She also disclosed that women’s groups, including the Gombe Women’s Agenda, are backing her aspiration, while female aspirants were granted waivers on nomination forms.
Yahaya further identified water supply as one of the major problems facing residents of Gombe State, promising to prioritise access to clean water if elected.
“We all know that we have problems with water in Gombe State. 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 said.
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The aspirant said her years of grassroots engagement in civil society have prepared her for leadership and strengthened her understanding of the challenges facing women and youths in local communities.
