By Sabiu Abdullahi
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has pulled out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State.
Pantami announced his withdrawal on Tuesday through a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.
The former minister said his decision followed alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and what he described as the APC leadership’s failure to provide information needed for a transparent and credible primary election.
According to the statement, Pantami joined the race after pressure from political leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders in the state. It added that he complied with the party’s guidelines and fulfilled all requirements expected of aspirants.
The statement also noted that Pantami was the only APC governorship aspirant who sent a representative to the Peace Accord meeting organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on May 14, 2026. It said his representative was also the only one who signed the agreement during the meeting.
Pantami, however, accused the party of denying him access to important details concerning the conduct of the direct primaries.
The statement said letters written by his solicitors to party officials over concerns surrounding the exercise were neither acknowledged nor answered.
“In a democracy, the law must guide the process. Non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate,” the statement said.
It further alleged that irregularities marred the APC National Assembly direct primaries conducted in the state on May 16 and 18.
“The people of Gombe State witnessed what transpired during the direct primary ‘elections’ for the National Assembly held on 16 and 18 May 2026,” the statement added.
Pantami maintained that many grassroots party members, especially women and youths who form the bulk of his support base, were excluded from the process.
The statement said the former minister decided to withdraw after consultations with stakeholders across the state.
“After extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful reflection on the developments in Gombe State, Prof. Pantami has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primary election scheduled for 21 May 2026, under protest. Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy,” it stated.
The movement also accused party leaders of ignoring directives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need for free and credible direct primaries.
According to the statement, details relating to accreditation of agents and observers, voting procedures and collation centres were not provided to aspirants before the exercise.
“Even though President Bola Ahmed Tinubu insisted on the necessity of free, fair, and credible direct primaries, his directives were, unfortunately, not implemented,” the statement said.
Pantami also expressed appreciation to supporters who contributed money for the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms through crowdfunding.
The statement disclosed that donations ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million and were publicly acknowledged online.
He thanked youths, women, campaign coordinators, elders and members of his media and campaign teams for their support.
Pantami urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite the development.
“Democracy rests on the rule of law, peace, and security,” the statement added.
The Pantamiyya Movement said it would announce its next political steps in due course.