Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress in Gombe. Pantami said his decision was due to alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the failure of the party to provide necessary information for a credible primary election.
In a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, Pantami said he joined the governorship race after calls from party leaders, youths, women, and other stakeholders in the state. He stated that he followed all party guidelines and procedures and was the only governorship aspirant who sent a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe on May 14, 2026.
Pantami, however, said his team was repeatedly denied access to important information concerning the governorship direct primaries. According to him, letters written by his lawyers to party officials seeking clarification on the process and raising concerns were neither acknowledged nor answered. He added that the issues raised remained unresolved.
He also alleged that the APC failed to follow the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 during the National Assembly direct primaries conducted on May 16 and 18, 2026. Pantami claimed that grassroots members were sidelined during the process, despite his strong support base among women and youths across the state.
The former minister explained that after consultations with stakeholders and careful reflection on political developments in Gombe State, he decided to withdraw from the governorship primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026. He described the decision as a peaceful protest against what he called lack of transparency and disregard for democratic principles.
Pantami further alleged that during the National Assembly primaries, no proper election took place in the state, yet results were announced. He said important information, including details of accreditation, voting procedures, collation centres, and accreditation of agents and observers, was not provided to aspirants despite repeated requests.
He also expressed appreciation to youths and supporters who contributed money through crowdfunding for the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms. According to him, contributions ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million, and records of the donations were publicly shared online. He thanked women, coordinators, elders, media teams, and members of his campaign committee for their support and understanding.
Pantami urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, saying democracy must be guided by the rule of law, peace, and security. He added that the Pantamiyya Movement would soon announce its next political steps while maintaining its commitment to good governance and lawful opposition to injustice in Gombe State and Nigeria.