A fresh political dispute has erupted in Gombe State regarding the party affiliation of Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of spreading misinformation by claiming that Pantami, now the PDP's governorship candidate, remains an APC member. The APC has challenged reports of Pantami's resignation, insisting he is still a party member pending compliance with constitutional and electoral procedures.
APC's Position
Speaking at a press conference in Gombe on Tuesday, APC State Publicity Secretary Moses Bolde stated that the party needed to address lingering misinformation about Pantami's political status. Bolde recalled that 25 of the 27 members of the APC Executive Committee in Pantami Ward had distanced themselves from reports of the former minister's resignation, saying they had neither received nor deliberated on any such letter. He explained that the ward chairman, Bala Galda, reportedly acknowledged receiving a letter submitted on behalf of Pantami on 23 May, but the document was dated 19 May and allegedly delivered by an individual named Abba Pantami. Despite repeated requests, a copy of the purported resignation letter has not been made available for scrutiny, Bolde said.
Bolde argued that based on the APC constitution, INEC guidelines, and the Electoral Act, Pantami remains an APC member until all prescribed resignation procedures are completed and verified. He also rejected claims that Pantami's move to the PDP had President Bola Tinubu's blessing, stating that Tinubu is a committed APC leader who would not endorse activities contrary to the party's interests.
PDP's Response
In its reaction, the PDP insisted that Pantami formally resigned from the APC and has fulfilled all requirements for membership in the opposition party. PDP Public Relations Officer Abdulkadir Dukku said documentary evidence shows Pantami lawfully exited the APC before joining the PDP. He described the APC's position as laughable and ignorant of the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution.
Dukku noted that the APC chairman in Pantami Ward personally acknowledged receipt of Pantami's resignation letter on 19 May, and this acknowledgement circulated widely on social media. He urged the public to ignore misleading narratives, stating that Pantami is a bona fide member of the PDP. Dukku criticized the APC for repeatedly raising the issue despite clear evidence of Pantami's resignation, and suggested the APC should focus on preparing for the upcoming governorship election rather than dwelling on Pantami's defection.
The PDP further suggested that the APC's repeated references to Pantami's defection could be linked to concerns about the opposition candidate's growing popularity. Dukku maintained that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, and Pantami exercised that right by resigning from the APC and joining the PDP. He reiterated the PDP's commitment to issue-based campaigns focused on governance, economic development, and improved public service delivery in Gombe State.
The exchange marks the latest sign of rising political tension in Gombe State as parties position themselves ahead of the next governorship election, where Pantami is expected to be a closely watched contender.
