Hon. Monica Yahaya Kaltho, a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, has withdrawn from court proceedings filed by aggrieved aspirants who were not cleared for the party's governorship primary election. She announced her full backing for the party's flagbearer, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Withdrawal Follows Dankwambo's Appeal
Kaltho stated that her decision followed consultations and a personal appeal from the PDP leader in Gombe State, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who urged her to step back from the legal action for the sake of party cohesion. She described Dankwambo as a father figure whose guidance she holds in high regard, emphasizing that the unity of the party and the welfare of Gombe people outweigh individual political interests.
Professor Pantami received news of Kaltho's withdrawal with appreciation, describing it as a demonstration of maturity and patriotism. He personally visited her residence to express his gratitude, committing to carry all stakeholders along as the party builds towards the 2027 contest.
High-Profile Defections Strengthen Pantami's Camp
Separately, the Gombe State PDP welcomed two high-profile additions. Kelmi Lazarus, who contested the 2023 governorship election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and previously served as the party's state chairman, formally defected to the PDP and threw his weight behind Pantami. Lazarus, a former General Manager of Gombe Radio Corporation, said his move came after careful reflection and consultations with his supporters, urging them to rally behind the PDP candidate.
Retired Air Vice Marshal B.A. Sani, a prominent figure from the Cham community in Balanga Local Government Area, also announced his defection to the PDP. He cited Pantami's administrative record, competence, and commitment to inclusive governance as the basis for his decision. Sani was formally received by the Gombe State PDP Chairman, retired Major General A.K. Kwaskebe, alongside Pantami and other senior party figures.
Party Expresses Confidence
The Gombe State PDP described both defections as significant additions that reflect growing confidence in Pantami's candidacy. The party welcomed Lazarus and Sani to its fold, expressing confidence that the additions would strengthen its push for victory in the 2027 general elections. This was contained in a statement signed by Hussaini Ali Muhammed, Media Aide to Senator Dankwambo, and made available to journalists on Saturday, July 18.
Context of Party Movements
Legit.ng earlier reported that Malam Saidu Umar Ubandoma, the PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto State, resigned from the party and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ubandoma cited the leadership of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and the record-breaking performance of Governor Ahmed Aliyu as reasons for his defection.
