By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has dramatically withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and lack of transparency in the party’s electoral process.
Pantami announced his withdrawal on Tuesday through a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, describing the planned direct primary election as “unsafe and illegitimate.”
The former minister accused the APC leadership in Gombe State of failing to provide critical information necessary for a credible primary election, despite repeated requests from his legal representatives.
According to the statement, letters sent to relevant party organs seeking clarification on accreditation procedures, voting guidelines, collation centres, and observer participation were neither acknowledged nor answered.
Pantami maintained that democracy must operate within the confines of the law, insisting that non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and party guidelines had already undermined confidence in the process.
He pointed to the recent APC National Assembly direct primaries held on May 16 and 18, alleging that no real elections took place despite results being announced.
The statement further claimed that grassroots members, especially women and youths who form the backbone of Pantami’s support base, were sidelined during the exercises.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy,” the statement declared, explaining that the withdrawal was a protest against what it described as blatant disregard for due process and internal democracy within the party.
Pantami’s camp also expressed disappointment that directives reportedly issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu calling for free, fair, and credible direct primaries were allegedly ignored in Gombe State.
Despite stepping down from the race, Pantami thanked supporters, particularly youths, who crowdfunded millions of naira for the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms.
The movement disclosed that contributions ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million, with receipts publicly shared online to demonstrate transparency and grassroots backing.
The Pantamiyya Movement hinted at possible political realignments ahead, urging supporters, admirers, students, and mentees of the former minister to remain united as consultations continue on the next political direction.
The withdrawal has added a fresh twist to the political landscape in Gombe State ahead of the APC governorship primaries scheduled for May 21, 2026, raising concerns over internal party democracy and the credibility of the electoral process within the ruling party.
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