A former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Gombe State, Kelmi Lazarus, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring his support for the party’s governorship candidate, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Lazarus, who contested the 2023 governorship election on the SDP platform, announced his defection after what he described as extensive consultations with his supporters. He said his decision was driven by his confidence in Pantami’s leadership qualities and vision for Gombe State.
According to him, Pantami possesses the competence, integrity and experience required to provide purposeful leadership and accelerate the state’s development.
He also urged his supporters and residents of Gombe State to rally behind the PDP, expressing confidence that Pantami is the most qualified candidate in the race for the state’s top job.
Reacting to the development, the Gombe State chapter of the PDP described Lazarus’ defection as a significant boost to the party’s growing support base. The party said the move reflects increasing confidence among political stakeholders in Pantami’s leadership and the PDP’s vision for the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
