Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and lack of transparency in the party’s primary election process. ¹ ² ³
Pantami announced his withdrawal on Tuesday through a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, saying his decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and concerns over the party’s failure to provide essential information required for a credible direct primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026.
The former minister claimed that the recent APC National Assembly direct primaries conducted in the state on May 16 and 18 were marred by irregularities, alleging that no actual voting took place despite the announcement of results. He maintained that grassroots members, especially women and youths who form the backbone of his support base, were sidelined during the exercise.
Pantami had fully complied with APC guidelines after accepting calls from party leaders, women, youth groups, and other stakeholders to contest for the governorship seat. The statement noted that he was the only aspirant who sent a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command on May 14, where the accord was signed.
The former minister accused the party leadership of denying his camp access to critical information regarding the conduct of the direct primaries. He alleged that several letters written by his solicitors to party organs seeking clarification on accreditation procedures, voting processes, collation centres, and observer participation were ignored.
Pantami referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for free, fair, and credible direct primaries, arguing that such directives were not implemented in Gombe State. He urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that democracy must be guided by the rule of law, peace, and security.
The Pantamiyya Movement said it would announce its next political steps and future plans in due course. Pantami expressed gratitude to his supporters, particularly young people who contributed funds to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms.
The withdrawal has raised questions about the credibility of the APC primaries in Gombe State. Would you like to know more about the implications of Pantami’s withdrawal or the APC’s primary elections?
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