Sabo Sani Labaran Calls for People-Centred Political Debate Ahead of 2027 Gombe Election

Gombe, Nigeria 🇳🇬 September 10, 2026

Hon. Sabo Sani Labaran has called for a shift in political discussions in Gombe State, urging politicians and citizens to pay greater attention to issues affecting the people ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Labaran made the call in a post on his Facebook page, where he highlighted potable water, pensioners' welfare, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and rural development as issues that should receive greater attention in the state's political discourse.

According to him, the political conversation should go beyond personalities, political positions and party ambitions and focus on practical solutions to the challenges confronting residents.

Water Supply Needs Attention

Labaran identified access to potable water as one of the major challenges facing communities across the state, particularly in rural areas.

He questioned the impact of funds reportedly committed to water projects, noting that many residents still experience difficulties accessing reliable drinking water.

“After all the money spent on water, where is the water?” he asked.

He said women should not be forced to spend hours searching for water, while children and rural residents should have access to safe and dependable sources of drinking water.

Pensioners' Welfare

The politician also expressed concern over the welfare of pensioners, saying retirees who spent several years serving the public deserve to live their retirement with dignity.

Labaran referred to concerns reportedly raised by Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami about pensioners, including claims that some retirees receive as little as ₦9,000 monthly.

He described pensioners' welfare as both a political and humanitarian issue, calling for greater attention to their wellbeing.

Focus on Human Development

Labaran further advocated increased investment in human development, particularly among young people.

He said youths should be provided with opportunities to acquire skills, establish businesses, secure employment and become economically self-reliant.

He also called for improved education and healthcare services, better water supply and greater development of rural communities.

Labaran Highlights Pantami's Experience

In his Facebook post, Labaran also discussed the experience of Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, particularly his previous roles at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and as a Federal Minister.

He said the experience had exposed Pantami to national policy-making, technology, administration and the management of major government institutions.

However, Labaran noted that experience alone would not be sufficient unless it could be converted into practical solutions and measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.

He said the political debate should therefore focus less on who wants to become governor and more on who has the capacity, experience and vision to address Gombe's challenges.

“Who Can Solve Gombe's Problems?”

Labaran said voters and political stakeholders should be asking important questions about the ability of prospective leaders to address critical challenges.

Among the questions he raised were:

Who can provide reliable water?

Who can improve education?

Who can strengthen healthcare?

Who can create opportunities for young people?

Who can empower rural communities?

Who can promote economic self-reliance?

Who can protect the dignity of pensioners?

According to him, these are issues that directly affect ordinary citizens and should form a major part of the political debate.

Clearance Controversy

Labaran also addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding the PDP governorship screening and clearance process.

He said available documents indicate that Prof. Pantami received a Clearance Form from the PDP National Working Committee following the screening exercise.

He challenged any other PDP governorship aspirant who received a similar document to present it publicly so that the matter could be determined through evidence.

“If any other PDP governorship aspirant was given a Clearance Form after the screening, let that aspirant come forward and present it,” he said.

Labaran maintained that his position was not intended to attack or insult other aspirants, but to encourage transparency and allow official records to determine the facts.

“The Gombe We Want”

Labaran said the broader issue should be the type of Gombe State citizens want to build.

He said the state should aspire to have communities with reliable water supply, quality education, functional healthcare, meaningful opportunities for young people and improved welfare for pensioners.

He added that the success of government should not be measured solely by electoral victories, but by its ability to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

According to him, meaningful governance should translate into better opportunities for farmers, employment and entrepreneurship for young people, quality education for children, functional healthcare facilities, clean water for communities and dignified retirement for pensioners.

Labaran called for a respectful political environment where candidates present their records, policies and vision, while allowing the people of Gombe to make the final decision through the electoral process.

He concluded his message with a call for a political debate based on evidence and ideas rather than personal attacks.

“No insults. No distractions. No rumours. Just facts. Just records. Just vision. And a better future for Gombe.”

Orbit News 24 notes that the views and claims contained in this report are attributed to Hon. Sabo Sani Labaran as expressed in his Facebook post and have not been presented as independently verified findings by the publication.