A former Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Gombe State, Kelmi Lazarus, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring support for the party’s governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Lazarus, who was the SDP governorship candidate in the 2023 Gombe State governorship election, is a former state chairman of the party and also served as the General Manager of Radio Gombe.

Announcing his decision in a statement on Wednesday, Lazarus said he joined the PDP after extensive consultations with his supporters.

He also expressed confidence in Pantami’s ability to provide effective leadership for the state.

“I joined the Peoples Democratic Party after careful consideration and consultation with my supporters. My decision is based on my conviction that Professor Isa Ali Pantami possesses the vision, competence, integrity and leadership capacity required to provide purposeful governance and advance the development of Gombe State,” he said.

He described Pantami as the most qualified candidate in the race and urged residents of the state to support the PDP in the interest of Gombe’s development.

“Professor Pantami stands out as the most qualified candidate in this race. I therefore call on my supporters and the good people of Gombe State to rally behind the PDP in our collective interest for the progress and prosperity of the state,” Lazarus added.

Reacting to the development, the Gombe State chapter of the PDP described Lazarus’ defection as a major boost to the party’s growing support base, saying it reflected increasing confidence among political leaders and stakeholders in Pantami’s leadership and the party’s vision.

The party said it warmly welcomed the former governorship candidate and his supporters into its fold and assured them of equal opportunities to contribute to its goal of building what it described as “a more united, peaceful and prosperous Gombe State.”