Yahaya-Kaltho, a Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant, is advocating for increased opportunities for women and youth in Gombe State governance.
The push for inclusive leadership comes as Gombe State faces persistent challenges with insecurity and unemployment. By promoting a demographic shift in leadership, the candidate aims to address these systemic issues ahead of the next election cycle.
Yahaya-Kaltho, also referred to as Monica Yahaya, is 33 [1]. She is positioning her bid for the governorship as a means to ensure that marginalized groups have a greater voice in the state's decision-making processes. The candidate said that women and youth deserve more opportunities to lead and contribute to the development of the region.
The campaign focuses on the belief that a difference will be visible in Gombe if women are placed in leadership roles. This approach is intended to tackle the socio-economic instability affecting the state, particularly the lack of jobs for young people.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to prepare for the Gombe State governorship election scheduled for 2027 [1, 2]. The candidate said that inclusive governance is the key to solving the state's most pressing problems.
By centering the needs of youth and women, the PDP aspirant is challenging the traditional political structure in the region. The bid emphasizes a transition toward leadership that is more representative of the state's actual population, and its current needs.
“Women and youth deserve greater opportunities in governance.”
The entry of a 33-year-old female candidate into the Gombe governorship race signals a potential shift in the political landscape of northern Nigeria. By linking gender and youth inclusion directly to the resolution of insecurity and unemployment, the campaign attempts to move the conversation from identity politics to functional governance.
