The media aide to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, Ibrahim Shawai, has said the outcome of the 2027 governorship election will be determined by voters at polling units rather than by popularity on social media.
Shawai made the remarks in a statement on Friday while highlighting Gwamna’s ongoing engagements with communities across the state ahead of the election.
He acknowledged the growing influence of social media in political communication but cautioned that online visibility should not be confused with actual electoral support.
According to him, political campaigns may generate attention on platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok, but the eventual decision will rest with voters who turn out at polling units across the state.
He stressed that online followers, likes and comments cannot substitute for grassroots mobilisation and direct engagement with the electorate.
Shawai said Gwamna’s political activities had therefore remained focused on communities across Gombe State, arguing that anyone seeking the people’s mandate must understand their concerns, aspirations and expectations.
He further claimed that Gwamna’s relationship with residents of the state was established long before the 2027 election cycle, citing his experience in public service, the corporate sector, politics and philanthropic activities.
The aide said the political conversation should gradually move beyond introducing Gwamna to voters and focus more on his plans for the state if elected.
“The more important conversation today is about his vision for the future,” Shawai said, adding that attention should be given to what the APC candidate intends to do for Gombe rather than simply asking who he is.
He identified employment, agriculture, education, healthcare, investment, technology and efficient governance as some of the key issues that should dominate discussions ahead of the election.
Shawai maintained that while social media could help candidates communicate their messages, genuine electoral strength would ultimately be measured by support within communities and votes cast at polling units.
Gwamna was endorsed as the APC’s governorship candidate in Gombe earlier this year, with the party and his supporters subsequently focusing on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 contest.
