Pantami APC Gombe governorship primary heats up as former minister submits nomination form despite party consensus arrangement in Gombe State
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has formally submitted his governorship nomination form at the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, despite the party’s earlier consensus arrangement in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
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Pantami’s Gombe governorship ambition enters APC primary race development comes days after the APC leadership in Gombe State announced Jamilu Gwamna as its consensus governorship candidate following a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
The decision, however, has sparked internal disagreement within the party, as the Pantamiyya Movement, a support group loyal to Pantami, rejected the arrangement, describing it as inconsistent with democratic principles and the APC constitution.
Pantami, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, criticised the consensus process, insisting that the party should adopt direct primaries to ensure fairness and transparency.
He maintained that he would challenge any perceived injustice while pledging support for whoever emerges through a credible process.
A statement shared on Pantami’s official X account confirmed that members of his support group submitted his nomination form on his behalf at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
The statement noted that the form was purchased and submitted by youths who have benefited from his various empowerment initiatives.
“Professor Isa Ali Pantami has officially submitted his governorship nomination form for Gombe State, purchased for him by youths whose lives have been positively impacted through his support and interventions,” the statement read.
It further confirmed that a delegation of supporters carried out the submission in line with APC guidelines for aspirants contesting the Gombe governorship primary scheduled for later this month.
Reaffirming their commitment, the group declared unwavering support for Pantami’s ambition.
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“There will be no retreat and no surrender,” the statement added.
