Gombe Lawmaker El Rashe Leaves APC After Ticket Loss

El Rashe, a lawmaker from Gombe State, announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on February 1, 2026, after losing the ticket for the House of Representatives in the 2023 elections. In a letter addressed to the APC chairman of the Waziri North Ward in Dukku LGA, he cited prolonged internal crises and factional conflicts within the party as reasons for his departure.

El Rashe expressed his concerns regarding the fairness of the candidate selection process, which he claimed did not reflect genuine consensus among stakeholders. Following his exit, he joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The APC had adopted a consensus arrangement that produced Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna as its candidate for the Dukku-Nafada House of Representatives seat. El Rashe's announcement on social media urged his supporters to remain calm as he navigates his next steps.

Other APC members, including former Minister Isa Ali Pantami, criticized the consensus arrangement, calling it undemocratic and inconsistent with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.