A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Ahmed Yayari, has left the party and declared his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Jamil Gwamna.

Yayari, a former National Treasurer of the PDP, made his position known in a statement issued on Thursday by Ibrahim Shawai, spokesperson to Gwamna.

He pledged to deploy his political experience, grassroots structures and networks towards supporting Gwamna’s bid to become the next governor of Gombe State.

Yayari said his decision was informed by Gwamna’s character, political experience, vision and leadership capacity, describing him as a politician capable of providing purposeful leadership and advancing the development of the state.

He said Gwamna’s commitment to humanity, empowerment and societal development went beyond personal political ambition.

The former PDP chieftain also highlighted Gwamna’s family background and its longstanding contributions to the development of Gombe State.

Yayari assured that he and his supporters would commit their time, energy and political resources to the success of Gwamna and all APC candidates in the state.

Reacting, Gwamna welcomed Yayari and his supporters into the APC, describing the defection as a significant political development and a major boost to his campaign.

He described Yayari as “a pillar of grassroots mobilisation and an experienced political strategist,” noting that his years of service at both state and national levels of the PDP would bring considerable value to the APC.

Gwamna said Yayari’s decision also reflected what he described as growing confidence in the APC as a platform for progressive leadership and sustainable development.

The statement added that arrangements were underway for the formal reception of Yayari and his supporters into the APC.