The political atmosphere in parts of Gombe State turned celebratory on Saturday as supporters of Ali Isa JC gathered across the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency following his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

Isa, a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, secured victory in the APC primary election after weeks of political consultations, internal party negotiations, and growing tension among aspirants over the mode of selecting the party’s flag bearer.

The lawmaker had earlier been endorsed by party stakeholders as the consensus candidate, a move that triggered opposition from some aspirants who demanded direct primaries instead of the consensus arrangement.

Following the disagreement, the APC leadership approved direct primaries for House of Representatives aspirants, setting the stage for a fresh contest that drew party members across the constituency into an intense political exercise.

With the conclusion of the exercise on Saturday, Isa emerged victorious by what supporters described as a landslide margin, reinforcing his influence within the constituency and strengthening his position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting after the announcement of the results, Isa described the victory as a reflection of the confidence party members have in his representation and leadership over the years.

“To God be the glory, I have emerged victorious in today’s primary election. This victory confirms the trust and confidence reposed in me by stakeholders and members of our great party,” he said.

The lawmaker, who is popularly known as Makaman Cham, pledged to work with all factions within the APC to ensure unity ahead of the general elections, stressing that internal reconciliation would remain a priority.

In what appeared to be an attempt to calm post-primary tensions, Isa extended an olive branch to his opponents and urged party members to avoid bitterness and division.

“The APC is a big tent that can accommodate everyone. We cannot afford to be bad winners or bad losers. We must come together in the interest of our people and our party,” he stated.

He also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the APC national leadership, and state party officials for what he described as a transparent and peaceful primary process.

Isa further commended security agencies for maintaining order during the election and thanked party members across Balanga and Billiri for their support and participation.

The APC primary in the constituency is considered one of the closely watched contests in Gombe politics due to the strategic importance of the federal constituency and Isa’s growing political profile within the state.

Political observers believe the outcome of the primary may shape political alignments in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as parties begin early mobilisations across the North-East.

Isa assured supporters that if re-elected, he would continue to focus on infrastructure development, human capital investment, and constituency projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.

He also reserved special appreciation for his family, political associates, and loyal supporters whom he credited for standing by him throughout the political process.

With the APC primaries gradually concluding in several states, attention is now expected to shift toward opposition parties and possible coalition movements ahead of the 2027 polls.