Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, has withdrawn from the race to become the party’s candidate for the 2026 governorship election.
The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who had earlier rejected the consensus arrangement that produced Jamilu Gwamna, previously vowed to challenge what he described as unfair treatment within the party.
However, in a statement released by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, Pantami said he would no longer participate in the primaries after holding wide consultations with stakeholders.
He accused party officials of breaching provisions of the Electoral Act and failing to create the conditions required for a transparent and credible primary election.
Pantami also alleged that he was denied important information relating to accreditation procedures, voting methods, and collation centres ahead of the planned primary election.
According to him, letters forwarded to different organs of the party seeking clarification on the conduct of the direct primaries were neither acknowledged nor responded to.
“When Prof. Pantami accepted calls from leaders, youth, women, and other stakeholders to contest for the governorship of Gombe State, he demonstrated loyalty to the APC by participating fully, meeting requirements, and following the laid-down guidelines and procedures.”
“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 May 14 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,” part of the statement read.
The statement further claimed that failure to comply with the Electoral Act 2026 and party guidelines had rendered the exercise unsafe and lacking legitimacy.
“The people of Gombe State witnessed what transpired during the direct primary “elections” for the National Assembly held on May 16 and 18 May. 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,” it added.
Barr. Tahir therefore stated that, “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 May 21 2026, under protest. Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy.”
He also claimed that although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had stressed the importance of free, fair, and credible direct primaries, the directives were not implemented in the state.
“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,” Tahir alleged.
He nonetheless expressed appreciation to the youths who contributed through crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms.
The former minister also thanked his supporters, especially women and youths, alongside coordinators across polling units, wards, and local government areas, urging them to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the interest of peace and security in Gombe State.
The statement added that the Pantamiyya Movement would later announce its next line of action and future direction to supporters and sympathisers within Gombe State and across the country.
