Pantami Withdraws from Gombe APC Governorship Primary

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State scheduled for 21 May.

The former minister announced his withdrawal in a statement issued through the Pantamiyya Movement, citing alleged breaches of the Electoral Act 2026 and a lack of transparency in the party’s nomination process.

He said his decision followed repeated concerns over what he described as violations of due process and failure by party officials to provide critical information needed for a credible primary election.

Pantami said he joined the governorship race after sustained pressure and encouragement from stakeholders across Gombe State, including youths, women and community leaders.

He also noted that his camp demonstrated commitment to a peaceful process by participating in a Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on 14 May 2026.

According to the statement, Pantami was the only governorship aspirant to send a representative to the event, who reportedly served as the sole signatory to the agreement.

Pantami alleged that, despite formally writing to relevant APC organs through his legal representatives, the party leadership failed to respond to inquiries regarding accreditation procedures, voting guidelines, collation arrangements, and other operational details of the primary election.

He argued that the absence of such information undermined transparency and cast doubt on the process’s credibility.

The former minister further claimed that concerns raised during the party’s recent National Assembly primaries in Gombe State — where some party members alleged that results emerged without proper voting procedures — reinforced his reservations about participating in the governorship contest.

According to him, the conduct of the process contradicted provisions of the Electoral Act and internal party guidelines.

Pantami also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on credible direct primaries, arguing that the principles outlined by the president were not reflected in the conduct of the exercise.

“The process has become unsafe and illegitimate,” the statement said.

Despite withdrawing from the race, Pantami expressed appreciation to supporters who contributed to the purchase of his nomination forms through crowdfunding efforts.

The statement disclosed that donations ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million from supporters across various groups.

The Pantamiyya Movement said it would announce its next political steps in due course, while reaffirming its commitment to democratic participation, lawful political engagement and continued mobilisation of supporters within Gombe State and beyond.