Pantami Walks Away From APC Race, Raises Alarm Over Electoral Breaches

 By Queen Madaki

GOMBE, Nigeria — Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Gombe State, citing alleged breaches of the Electoral Act 2026 and irregularities in the party’s nomination process.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad in a post on his X account.

“Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has withdrawn from the APC governorship primaries in Gombe State, citing alleged breaches of the Electoral Act 2026 and irregularities in the electoral process,” Ahmad wrote.

Consensus Candidate Decision Sparks Crisis

Pantami’s withdrawal comes amid growing tensions within the APC in Gombe State following the controversial adoption of Jamilu Gwamna as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.

The endorsement reportedly followed a stakeholders’ meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, a move that drew immediate opposition from some aspirants who had purchased nomination forms.

Pantami Rejects ‘Coronation’ Process

In a statement issued after the consensus announcement, Pantami distanced himself from the process, describing it as a “coronation” rather than a legitimate internal agreement.

He argued that no valid consensus could be reached without the express consent of all aspirants who obtained and completed nomination forms.

“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” Pantami said.

Electoral Act Cited in Objection

Pantami based his objection on provisions of the Electoral Act, maintaining that political parties are limited to either a consensus arrangement backed by unanimous agreement or direct primaries involving eligible party members.

He said the process adopted in Gombe did not meet these legal requirements.

Internal Divisions Deepen in Gombe APC

The dispute has further exposed divisions within the ruling party in Gombe State, where several aspirants have raised concerns over what they describe as exclusionary and imposed arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political observers say the controversy could influence the party’s internal cohesion as preparations intensify for the next electoral cycle.