Former Governor of Gombe State and serving Senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial District, Danjuma Goje, has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the direct primary election conducted across Akko and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas on Monday, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ahmed, emerged victorious with a landslide margin, polling 42,785 votes against Senator Goje’s 10,425 votes.

The Returning Officer of the election, Dr. Habu Dahiru, announced Mohammed Ahmed as the winner of the exercise, confirming him as the APC candidate for Gombe Central Senatorial District. He noted that Ahmed had earlier been adopted as the consensus candidate of the party before the primary.

Senator Goje, who has represented the district in the Senate since 2011 following his two-term tenure as Governor of Gombe State, was defeated in what party officials described as a highly competitive exercise.

Speaking after his victory, Mohammed Ahmed said the primary election was conducted peacefully, adding that the large turnout and enthusiasm reflected the desire of party members for a new direction in Gombe Central. He stated that his ambition was driven by the need to strengthen representation for the district at the National Assembly.

Political observers say the outcome marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Gombe Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.