APC denies involvement in alleged fake Gombe membership cards as PDP prepares for a fresh governorship primary following a court ruling
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has rejected allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the ruling party is behind the alleged production of about 20,000 fake membership cards ahead of the opposition party’s fresh governorship primary.
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The APC State Publicity Secretary, Murtala Usman Wuro Tale, dismissed the allegation in a statement on Monday, September 28, 2026, describing the claim as unfounded.
The PDP is scheduled to conduct a fresh governorship primary in Gombe on Tuesday, September 29, following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified its earlier primary.
Tale said the APC had no involvement in the PDP’s membership affairs or its governorship selection process.
He maintained that the APC-led administration under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was focused on governing the state and implementing its development agenda rather than interfering in the affairs of the opposition party.
According to Tale, responsibility for organising the PDP primary rests solely with the party and its authorised organs.
He urged the PDP to address its internal disagreements and ensure that the fresh exercise complies with the court order, the party’s own guidelines and applicable electoral provisions.
Tale also challenged the PDP to provide evidence if it had information linking the APC or any of its members to the alleged fake Gombe membership cards.
He advised the opposition party to submit any evidence of fraudulent membership cards or interference to law enforcement agencies and relevant regulatory bodies.
The controversy followed a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Gombe on September 24, 2026, which nullified the PDP governorship primary that produced Professor Isa Ali Pantami as the party’s candidate.
The court subsequently directed the PDP to conduct another primary in accordance with its guidelines and relevant electoral laws. The party fixed September 29 for the fresh exercise.
Tale also called on the PDP to account for the circumstances that led to the legal challenge against its earlier primary rather than directing allegations at the APC.
He said allegations made through the media could not replace verifiable evidence, stressing the importance of presenting any evidence of wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities.
The dispute comes as the PDP works to complete its governorship nomination process in Gombe following the court ruling.
Also read:Â APC Posters: Four Men Face Charges Over Alleged Damage
The APC has therefore publicly distanced itself from the membership-card controversy, while the PDP’s fresh primary is expected to determine the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
