Muhammad Ismail City, the immediate past Independent Commissioner of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission and former Executive Chairman of Akko Local Government Council, has formally endorsed Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for the governorship of Gombe State. The endorsement, announced on September 12, 2026, during a meeting at Pantami's office, represents a fresh setback for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, as City declared he was throwing his weight and political network behind the former federal minister's gubernatorial ambition.
City Cites Electoral and Grassroots Experience
In a signed statement, City said his experience as both an electoral official and a grassroots administrator gave him a clear understanding of what the state needs in its next governor. He pointed to Pantami's tenure as Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and his subsequent service as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, as evidence of his administrative capability.
City added that Pantami's plan for the state includes modernising the agricultural sector, revitalising education, and creating economic opportunities across both urban and rural communities. He described Gombe State as being at a "critical crossroads" that demands a leader with "unquestionable integrity, international exposure, and a proven track record of transformative governance."
Call to Action for Akko Stakeholders
Beyond the personal endorsement, City used the statement to urge his political associates, stakeholders within Akko Local Government, and Gombe residents broadly to rally behind Pantami's candidacy. "I call upon all my political associates, the stakeholders of Akko Local Government, and the patriotic citizens of Gombe State to join hands and support this noble cause," he said.
The statement was countersigned by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, a group organising support for Pantami's governorship bid. The endorsement comes as the APC faces internal divisions in Gombe, with City's defection from the party's ranks signaling a potential shift in grassroots support ahead of the gubernatorial election.
