Isa Pantami, former minister of communication and digital economy, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election billed for May 21 in Gombe state.
In a statement signed by Ibrahim Attahir, on behalf of the
Pantamiyya Movement, Pantami, who submitted his nomination form at the APC
headquarters in Abuja on May 7, attributed his decision to the alleged breaches
of the electoral process.
Earlier this month, the APC in Gombe announced Jamilu Gwamna
as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
But the Pantamiyya Movement rejected the arrangement, saying
it violates the provisions of the APC constitution, the party’s national
leadership’s directive, and President Bola Tinubu’s instruction.
Pantami would later describe the consensus arrangement as a
mere “coronation” that violates statutory mandates of the nation’s electoral
law.
‘BLATANT DISREGARD FOR ELECTORAL ACT’
Attahir said Pantami’s withdrawal from the governorship
primary is in “protest over violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the
party’s failure to provide a channel of communication and information essential
for a credible contest”.
“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 acknowledgement,” the
statement reads.
“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 youths. Unfortunately, in the recent
direct primaries, grassroots members were sidelined.
“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 testimony from several aspirants,
relevant details on venues, procedures, and agent and observer accreditation
were not provided, yet results were announced.
“Even though President Bola Ahmed Tinubu insisted on the
necessity of free, fair, and credible direct primaries, his directives were,
unfortunately, not implemented.
“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.”
Attahir commended Pantami’s supporters for raising funds to
purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms for the former
minister.
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