By Jude Opara
Former Minister of Communication, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami on Tuesday announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries over alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir for the Pantamiyya Movement, Pantami who was vying for the Gombe state governorship position further stated that the leadership of the APC also failed to provide a channel of communication and information essential for a credible contest.
The statement added that while in the race, Pantami demonstrated loyalty to the party, after he was besieged by leaders, youth, women and other critical stakeholders in the state to run for the office.
He regretted that despite the fact that he was the only aspirant that sent a representative to the Peace Accord organized by the Police, the party had continued to deny him some credible information of what was happening concerning the process.
“He was the only APC governorship aspirant to send a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on 14 May 2026. His representative was the only one who signed the Peace Accord during the meeting.
“Despite his loyalty, he was repeatedly denied access to critical information. Letters sent by his solicitors to the various organs of the party requesting details and raising concerns about the forthcoming governorship direct primaries received no reply or acknowledgment. The requests were not granted, and the issues remain unresolved.
“In a democracy, the law must guide the process. Non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate. The people of Gombe State witnessed what transpired during the direct primary “elections” for the National Assembly held on 16 and 18 May 2026. The strength of Pantami lies in his massive grassroots support, particularly among women and youth. Unfortunately, in the recent direct primaries, members at the grassroots were sidelined in the process.
After extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful reflection on the developments in Gombe State, Prof. Pantami has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primary election scheduled for 21 May 2026, under protest. Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy.
“The protest is based on the blatant disregard for the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the failure of the party leadership to implement the framework required for a credible primary election. During the National Assembly primaries, no actual election took place in the state. According to the testimony of several aspirants, relevant details on venues, procedures, and agent and observer accreditation were not provided, but results were announced”.
He regretted that even when President Bola Tinubu has insisted on the importance of free, fair and credible direct primaries, his directives were not implemented, adding that even time and venues for meetings partaining to the primaries were not availed to him.
“Prof. Pantami had requested details on the time and place for accreditation of agents and observers, the procedures for accreditation, voting, and collation, and the location of collation centres. This information should have been provided to all aspirants without being solicited. As of this moment, nothing has been provided”.
However, the statement said Prof. Pantami has expressed deep gratitude to the youth and other well meaning individuals who used crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms.
He also urged his supporters to remain calm, adding that in due course, the movement will inform them of the next line of action.
“We must all collectively strive not to disappoint the Governor,hence all hands are on the deck to bolster efficient service delivery to the people of the state.”
