One of the front runners for the gubernatorial ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has announced his withdrawal from the race forthwith.
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Pantami announced his withdrawal on Tuesday via a press statement from his campaign organisation, the Pantamiyya Movement, signed by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026, APC guidelines, and a lack of transparency in the conduct of the party’s internal election process.
The aspirant, who had been vocal in recent weeks, claimed that despite repeated requests, the party failed to provide key information on accreditation, voting procedures, and collation arrangements, which he said were essential for a credible primary election.
The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy further alleged that the recent National Assembly party primaries were marked by irregularities, including the exclusion of grassroots members and the absence of proper voting processes.
He stated that these issues rendered the exercise unfair and inconsistent with democratic principles, leading to his decision to withdraw under protest ahead of the scheduled May 21, 2026 governorship primaries.
The statement reads: “When Prof. Pantami accepted calls from leaders, youths, 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.”
It further stated, “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.”
According to the statement, “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.”
It stressed that, “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,” it added.
He explained 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 21 May 2026, under protest. Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy.”
According to him, “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 stressed that, “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.”
Prof. Pantami expressed deep gratitude to the youths who used crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms. Contributions ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million, and receipts were issued and shared publicly online by the contributors.
He also thanked his supporters, particularly youths and women, as well as coordinators in the units, wards, local government areas, and Gombe State, the media team, elders, and his Campaign Coordinating Committee for their dedication and understanding.
He urged all supporters to remain calm and law-abiding to preserve peace and security in the state. Democracy rests on the rule of law, peace, and security.
The Pantamiyya Movement assured that it would communicate its next steps and future plans to its followers, supporters, sympathisers, mentees, and students of Prof. Pantami in Gombe State and across Nigeria in due course.
The movement’s commitment to advancing good governance in Gombe State and Nigeria remains unwavering, and its resolve against injustice through lawful means is unshakable.
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