Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has withdrawn from the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, Pantami said his decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and concerns over what he described as the party’s failure to provide critical information necessary for a credible direct primary election.
Also, he cited alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and lack of transparency in the party’s primary process.
According to the statement, repeated letters sent by Pantami’s legal representatives to APC leadership seeking clarification on procedures, accreditation of agents and observers, collation centres, and voting guidelines were allegedly ignored.
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The former minister stated that the absence of clear communication and adherence to electoral guidelines undermined the legitimacy of the process, especially after what he claimed transpired during the APC National Assembly primaries in Gombe State.
Pantami maintained that no genuine election took place during the earlier primaries, alleging that grassroots members were sidelined while results were announced without proper voting procedures.
He further stated that despite President Bola Tinubu’s call for free, fair, and credible direct primaries nationwide, those directives were not implemented in Gombe State.
The statement also highlighted Pantami’s participation in the peace accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe, noting that he was the only APC governorship aspirant represented at the event and the only camp to sign the accord.
Pantami expressed appreciation to supporters, especially youths who reportedly contributed through crowdfunding to purchase his nomination forms, insisting that the movement remains committed to good governance and lawful political engagement.
The Pantamiyya Movement said it would announce its next political steps in due course as political alignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections.
