Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
A broad coalition of youths and students in Sokoto State has thrown its weight behind Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Gumbi, endorsing him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The groups, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Sokoto State Youths and Students’ Organizations (COSSYS), announced their endorsement at a press conference in Sokoto on Saturday, describing Gumbi as “a visionary leader, seasoned administrator and true son of the soil with an unblemished record of service.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the coalition, Comrade Bala Bello, said the endorsement reflected the overwhelming calls from youths and stakeholders across the state for Gumbi to join the 2027 race.
“Sokoto needs a leader who understands the people, who has served with integrity and can manage resources prudently. In A.A. Gumbi, we see competence, compassion, and capacity combined,” Bello said.
He noted that Gumbi’s career spans decades of meritorious service as a teacher, accountant, and financial administrator in several federal ministries, including Health, Commerce, Agriculture, and Works, as well as the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to the coalition, Gumbi’s philanthropic and developmental efforts have touched lives across Sokoto State. These include the provision of scholarships for indigent students, drilling of boreholes in rural communities, distribution of houses and land to low-income families, and support for orphans, widows, and displaced persons.
“He has consistently invested in people — creating jobs, empowering youths, and supporting education. His compassion and commitment make him the kind of leader Sokoto deserves,” the coalition stated.
COSSYS added that electing Gumbi in 2027 would ensure continuity and progress for the state, describing him as “a made-in-Sokoto leader with a deep understanding of the challenges and dreams of his people.”
The endorsement was jointly signed by 11 youth and student bodies, including the Leadership and Justice Forum, Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (Sokoto Branch), SOKEZA Female Students Association, PDP/ADC Students’ Association, and the Sokoto North/South Development Association.
“This is a call to every patriotic son and daughter of Sokoto to join hands with us. Voting A.A. Gumbi is not just about politics — it’s about securing the future of our dear state,” the statement concluded.
