From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has warned politicians, aspirants and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting peace during the forthcoming party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statewide broadcast delivered on Wednesday, the governor said his administration would not tolerate violence, political thuggery or any attempt to undermine law and order before, during and after the primaries. Governor Yahaya stated that political parties across the country had commenced preparations for the 2027 elections in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates parties to nominate candidates through either direct primaries or consensus arrangements. According to him, political parties in the state are expected to conduct their primaries this month in compliance with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The governor said that although the ruling All Progressives Congress initially explored the consensus option with the support of the party’s elders and state executive committee, disagreements among some aspirants made direct primaries inevitable. He described the move to adopt direct primaries as a democratic process that would allow party members to freely determine their preferred candidates. The governor stressed that the peace and stability of Gombe State remained more important than the ambition of any politician or political party, adding that his government remained committed to providing a level playing field for all contestants. He, however, alleged that some “unpatriotic politicians and conflict entrepreneurs” were already attempting to exploit the political process to create tension in the state. The governor warned that anyone found culpable in causing violence or breakdown of law and order would face severe legal consequences, regardless of status or political affiliation. He urged political parties, aspirants and supporters to prioritise the collective interest of the state and work towards peaceful primaries, assuring residents that his administration would collaborate with security agencies to maintain peace throughout the electoral process. Yahaya also called on residents to remain vigilant and resist attempts by “agents of darkness” to sow discord in the state.