Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, a former minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Gombe State. He cited violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and irregularities in the election process as reasons for his decision.
Background of the withdrawal
Pantami served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy from 2019 to 2023. In his statement, he argued that non-compliance with the Electoral Act and party guidelines made the exercise unsafe and illegitimate. He also highlighted that grassroots members, particularly women and youth, were sidelined during the direct primaries for the National Assembly held on May 16 and 18, 2026.
Reactions from supporters
Following the announcement, Nigerians expressed mixed reactions. Many supporters called on Pantami to defect to another party. Musa Zakariyya stated that many people remained in APC only because of Pantami's influence and that they would now move to a more reputable party. Abdallah Harun Almagamawee urged supporters to convince Pantami to contest from a different platform. WEB3 encouraged him to decamp, assuring him of victory under any party by the grace of Allah. Gulam Sahabi Muhammad remarked that if Allah destined Pantami to be governor, no one could prevent it.
Pantami's full statement was shared on Facebook, where he detailed the irregularities observed during the primaries.
Related political developments
In a separate development, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike clarified that his visit to APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was personal and not politically motivated. Wike stated that the chairman was his former colleague and that the visit was not about enmity.
