Former Gombe SDP governorship candidate defects to PDP, backs Pantami

By Musa Baba Adamu with agency report

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 forthcoming governorship election.

Lazarus, who contested the 2023 governorship election on the SDP platform and previously served as the party’s state chairman, announced his defection in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The former General Manager of Radio Gombe said his decision followed extensive consultations with his supporters, adding that he was convinced Pantami possesses the vision and leadership required to drive the state’s development.

According to him, Pantami stands out as the most qualified candidate in the governorship race, citing his competence, integrity and capacity to provide purposeful leadership.

Lazarus also urged his supporters and the people of Gombe State to support the PDP candidate, saying the move was in the collective interest of the state’s progress and prosperity.

Reacting to the development, the Gombe State chapter of the PDP described the defection as a major boost to its growing support base ahead of the election.

The party said Lazarus’ decision reflects increasing confidence in Pantami’s leadership and the PDP’s agenda for the state, while welcoming the former SDP governorship candidate and his supporters into its fold.

The PDP assured the new members of equal opportunities to contribute to its efforts to build what it described as a more united, peaceful and prosperous Gombe State.