JUST IN: Pantami withdraws from Gombe APC governorship primaries, cites reasons

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has made a significant move by withdrawing from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State. This decision, announced late Tuesday via a statement on his verified Facebook page, is framed as a protest against what he terms violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the party's alleged failure to establish essential communication channels for a credible contest.

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In the name of God, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON, PhD (Prof/Malam Pantami), has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Gombe State in protest over violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the party’s failure to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.

According to the statement signed by Ibrahim Attahir, Pantami's withdrawal stems from a pattern of non-compliance and a lack of transparency within the party's electoral processes. Despite demonstrating loyalty by participating fully, meeting requirements, and even sending a representative who signed a Peace Accord, Pantami claims his requests for critical information and concerns about the upcoming primaries were met with silence. His solicitors' letters to various party organs reportedly received no reply or acknowledgement, leaving key issues unresolved.

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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.

Pantami's protest underscores a broader concern about the integrity of the electoral process in Gombe State. He pointed to the recent National Assembly primaries held on May 16 and 18, 2026, where, according to his testimony and that of several other aspirants, 'no actual election took place' and grassroots members were sidelined. This alleged disregard for democratic principles and the Electoral Act has led Pantami to conclude that the exercise is 'unsafe and illegitimate.' His withdrawal, therefore, is presented not just as a personal decision but as a stand for democratic accountability and adherence to the law, emphasizing that peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy.

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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.