Ex-Minister Pantami Withdraws from Gombe APC Governorship Primary Over Alleged Electoral Act Violations
The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026.
Pantami also accused the APC of failing to provide channels of communication and critical information necessary for a credible contest.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Barrister Ibrahim Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, he noted that when Pantami accepted calls from leaders, youths, women, and other stakeholders to contest for the governorship of Gombe State, he demonstrated loyalty to the APC by fully participating, meeting all requirements, and following the laid-down guidelines and procedures.
“He was the only APC governorship aspirant to send a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on 14 May 2026. His representative was the only one who signed the Peace Accord during the meeting.
“Despite his loyalty, he was repeatedly denied access to critical information. Letters sent by his solicitors to the various organs of the party requesting details and raising concerns about the forthcoming governorship direct primaries received no reply or acknowledgment. The requests were not granted, and the issues remain unresolved,” Attahir stated.
He noted that, in a democracy, the law must guide the process, stressing that non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate.
Attahir recalled that residents of Gombe State witnessed what transpired during the direct primaries for the National Assembly held on May 16 and 18, 2026.
While stating that Pantami’s strength lies in his massive grassroots support, particularly among women and youths, he alleged that grassroots members were sidelined during the recent direct primaries.
“After extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful reflection on the developments in Gombe State, Prof. Pantami has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primary election scheduled for 21 May 2026, under protest. Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy,” Attahir said.
He emphasised that the protest was based on the blatant disregard for the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the failure of the party leadership to implement the framework required for a credible primary election.
He reiterated that no actual election took place in Gombe during the National Assembly primaries, citing testimonies from several aspirants who alleged that relevant details regarding venues, procedures, and the accreditation of agents and observers were not provided before results were announced.
Attahir lamented that despite President Bola Tinubu’s insistence on free, fair, and credible direct primaries, the directives were not implemented.
He also disclosed that Prof. Pantami requested details regarding the time and venue for the accreditation of agents and observers, the procedures for accreditation, voting and collation, as well as the location of collation centres. However, no information had been provided as of this moment.
Pantami expressed gratitude to the youths who used crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms.
The Pantamiyya Movement declared that it would communicate its next steps and future plans to its followers, supporters, sympathisers, mentees, and students of Pantami in Gombe State and across Nigeria in due course.
The movement reiterated its commitment to advancing good governance in Gombe State and Nigeria.
It also reaffirmed its resolve against injustice, adding that Pantami’s supporters remain united ahead of the next political alignment and realignment.
