Pantami reacts as INEC omits him from Gombe governorship list

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has expressed optimism that his name will be included in the final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.

Pantami’s name was missing from the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

The former minister, who left the All Progressives Congress in May and joined the Peoples Democratic Party, said efforts were ongoing to resolve the development.

In a statement signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe and shared on Pantami’s social media handles, his camp described the omission as a temporary challenge in the electoral process.

The statement said the development had raised concerns among supporters of the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement in Gombe State and beyond.

“We are aware of the people working behind the scenes to frustrate good and responsible leadership in Gombe State,” the statement said.

Pantami’s camp, however, expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved through engagements with relevant party officials and INEC.

It said its legal and liaison teams were working to ensure compliance with the court order and correct the omission within the period allowed by law.

The statement urged supporters to remain calm and continue their mobilisation efforts while the matter was being addressed.

It added that the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement remained committed to their political aspirations in the state.

“No distraction will derail our course, in sha Allah,” the statement added.

INEC’s omission of Pantami’s name has cast uncertainty over his participation in the 2027 governorship election, pending the resolution of the matter.

However, the statement did not provide details of the court order or specify when the commission was expected to act.