• Former Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources, Sa’adatu Sa’ad-Mustapha, has declared interest in the 2027 Gombe governorship race
• She is the first and only female aspirant to publicly join the contest so far
• Sa’ad-Mustapha said her candidacy is about “opening doors for others” and building a more inclusive Gombe

Sa’adatu Sa’ad-Mustapha has formally joined the 2027 governorship race in Gombe State, becoming the first and only female aspirant to publicly declare interest so far.

The former Commissioner for Environment and Forest Resources submitted her letter of intent on Friday, May 1, at the All Progressives Congress secretariat in Gombe, officially signalling her entry into the contest ahead of what is expected to be a competitive primary.

Speaking after her declaration, Sa’ad-Mustapha said her ambition is rooted in service and a desire to build a more inclusive government in Gombe.

“My decision to run is driven by a strong sense of duty to serve the people of Gombe State,” she said.

She added that her campaign would promote broader participation in governance, especially for women who have often remained excluded from top political leadership.

“I am advocating for equality, fairness, and opportunities for every citizen, especially ensuring that women move from the sidelines to active participation in governance,” she said.

Popularly known by her traditional title, Alkebbar Kaltungo, Sa’ad-Mustapha is from Kaltungo and previously served as Director General of Protocol and Facility Management under Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.

Her entry into the race has already stirred fresh conversations around women’s political representation in the North-East, where female participation in high-level elective offices remains limited.

Sa’ad-Mustapha unveiled a six-point agenda for Gombe built around economic growth, youth and women empowerment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and security.

According to her, the focus of her campaign will be on development that directly impacts communities at the grassroots.

“We must prioritise sustainable development that reaches the grassroots,” she said.

“Our goal is to implement programmes that improve livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure, and advance socio-economic growth in a way that leaves no one behind.”

She also reaffirmed her loyalty to the All Progressives Congress, saying her ambition aligns with the party’s principles of accountability and service.

“I remain committed to the core values of our great party and will promote policies anchored on accountability, inclusiveness, and service to the people,” she added.

Despite the hurdles ahead, Sa’ad-Mustapha expressed confidence in her candidacy, saying her ambition goes beyond personal political success.

“I believe in my capacity and the support of the people. This is not just about me, but about opening doors for others and building a more inclusive Gombe State,” she said.

Her declaration adds a gender inclusion dimension to the early permutations around the 2027 Gombe governorship contest and positions her as a notable figure to watch in the race.

Senator Yayi picks APC governorship nomination forms for 2027 Ogun race

Meanwhile TheRadar earlier reported that the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, had obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination forms ahead of the 2027 Ogun State election, signalling his formal entry into the race for the state’s top political office.

Adeola, a serving senator and influential political figure in Ogun politics, was represented by a proxy during the collection of the forms, a development widely interpreted as the beginning of his governorship ambition within the ruling party.