“Gov Inuwa Spent Millions On Praise Singers, But Nothing To Stop Diphtheria” — Gombe PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gombe State Chapter, has blasted Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, asking how much his administration is prepared to commit to protecting lives in Gombe after reportedly spending millions of Naira on Hausa praise singers from Kano, as the party accused the government of nonchalance over the reported diphtheria outbreak in the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gombe State Chapter, has accused the government of Gombe State under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of nonchalance over the reported outbreak of diphtheria in the state.

In a press release signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, on September 13, 2026, the party said reliable reports indicate an outbreak of diphtheria in some states across the North-Central and North-Eastern regions, including Gombe.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and airways. Common symptoms include sore throat and pain when swallowing, fever and chills, weakness and tiredness, nasal discharge, and in some cases, a bloody cough. Severe cases may cause rapid heartbeat and other complications including airway obstruction, heart and nerve damage.

According to the PDP, schools have already been closed in Plateau and Bauchi States, while intensive public enlightenment, sensitisation, vaccination and other health interventions are being undertaken in affected areas. In neighbouring Yobe State, the disease is also reportedly spreading.

The situation report available to the PDP in Gombe indicates that the disease, which predominantly affects children, has reportedly led to the admission of nine persons at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, with additional cases reported at the Federal Medical Centre, Kumo, as well as General Hospitals in Bajoga and Billiri.

The PDP Gombe Chapter condemned what it described as the failure of the APC-led State Government to take proactive measures to contain the spread despite indications of its presence.

The party also challenged Governor Yahaya to demonstrate greater commitment to human capital development and public healthcare, noting that while substantial resources are committed to infrastructural projects, health and wellbeing must remain a priority.

The PDP therefore called on the State Government to:

Publicly clarify the status of diphtheria in Gombe State and explain steps being taken to contain and prevent its further spread.
Immediately announce and implement preventive measures to protect schoolchildren and the general public.
Publicise sustainable health intervention strategies, including sensitisation, public enlightenment, surveillance, testing, treatment and vaccination programmes.
Strengthen collaboration with relevant health authorities and institutions to ensure prompt detection, treatment and containment.

The party reminded the APC administration that lives and wellbeing of Gombe people must not be treated with levity and must demonstrate urgency and transparency.

“After reportedly spending millions of Naira on Hausa praise singers from Kano, the people of Gombe State are entitled to know how much the State Government is prepared to commit towards protecting their lives and preventing the further spread of this deadly disease,” the statement added.

The Gombe State Government is yet to officially respond to the claims as of the time of filing this report.