Danjuma Goje, the former governor of Gombe State and current senator representing Gombe Central, has publicly denied rumors of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). This statement comes in the wake of his name being absent from the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) final list of candidates for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Goje, who has held his Senate seat since 2011, addressed his supporters at his residence in Gombe, urging them to remain loyal to the party and await his forthcoming directives regarding his political future. "Do not listen to betrayers, go home, prepare, be loyal to our party leaders and wait for my final order," he stated emphatically, reinforcing his commitment to the APC despite the recent developments.

The former governor's comments follow his defeat in the APC senatorial primary, where he lost the party's ticket for Gombe Central to Mohammed Ahmed. This loss has led to speculation about Goje's political trajectory, particularly as he has been approached by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a potential senatorial ticket.

Despite the pressure and uncertainty surrounding his candidacy, Goje reassured his supporters that he is actively consulting with political stakeholders before making any definitive decisions. "I am not defecting to any party now, however I am consulting stakeholders, but I promise I will be with my supporters with or without a Senate ticket," he affirmed.

The absence of Goje's name from INEC's candidate list, released earlier this month, has heightened interest in whether he will continue with the APC, support another candidate, or explore alternative political options. His supporters have expressed dissatisfaction with the party's consensus arrangement that led to his replacement as the APC candidate for Gombe Central, further complicating the situation.

Goje, who served as Gombe State governor from 2003 to 2011, was re-elected to the Senate in 2023 for a fourth term. With the political landscape shifting and the 2027 elections approaching, all eyes are on Goje as he navigates his next steps. For now, he has called for calm and loyalty among his supporters, promising to keep them informed as he makes his decisions.