In a shocking move, Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Gombe State. The decision, announced on his verified Facebook page late Tuesday, is a protest against the violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the party's failure to provide a channel of communication ahead of the contest.

Pantami, who accepted calls from leaders, youth, women, and other stakeholders to contest for the governorship, demonstrated loyalty to the APC by participating fully, meeting requirements, and following the laid-down guidelines and procedures. He was the only APC governorship aspirant to send a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on 14 May 2026. His representative was the only one who signed the Peace Accord during the meeting.

Despite his loyalty, Pantami was repeatedly denied access to critical information. Letters sent by his solicitors to the various organs of the party requesting details and raising concerns about the forthcoming governorship direct primaries received no reply or acknowledgement. The requests weren't granted, and the issues remain unresolved.

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 people of Gombe State witnessed what transpired during the direct primary “elections” for the National Assembly held on 16 and 18 May 2026. Pantami's strength lies in his massive grassroots support, particularly among women and youth. Unfortunately, in the recent direct primaries, members at the grassroots were sidelined in the process.

The protest is based on the blatant disregard for the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the failure of the party leadership to implement the framework required for a credible primary election. During the National Assembly primaries, no actual election took place in the state. According to the testimony of several aspirants, relevant details on venues, procedures, and agent and observer accreditation weren't provided, but results were announced.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu insisted on the necessity of free, fair, and credible direct primaries, but his directives weren't implemented. Pantami had requested details on the time and place for accreditation of agents and observers, the procedures for accreditation, voting, and collation, and the location of collation centres. This information should've been provided to all aspirants without being solicited. As of this moment, nothing has been provided.

Pantami expresses deep gratitude to the youth who used crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms. Contributions ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million, and receipts were issued and shared publicly online by the contributors. He also thanks his supporters, particularly youth and women, as well as coordinators in the units, wards, local government areas, and Gombe State, the media team, elders, and his Campaign Coordinating Committee for their dedication and understanding. He urges all supporters to remain calm and law-abiding to preserve peace and security in the state. Democracy rests on the rule of law, peace, and security.

The Pantamiyya Movement will communicate its next steps and plans to its followers, supporters, sympathisers, mentees, and students of Prof. Pantami in Gombe State and across Nigeria in due course. The movement's commitment to advancing good governance in Gombe State and Nigeria remains unwavering, and its resolve against injustice through lawful means is unshakable. All followers, admirers, and supporters of Malam Pantami are to remain united for the next alignment and realignment in the political space.

  • Pantami withdraws from Gombe APC governorship primaries
  • Withdrawal is due to violations of the Electoral Act 2026
  • Party failed to provide a channel of communication ahead of the contest
  • Pantami had massive grassroots support, particularly among women and youth
  • President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directives on free, fair, and credible direct primaries weren't implemented

Pantami's decision to withdraw from the primaries is a significant development in the Gombe State governorship race. It's significant because it highlights the need for the APC to address the concerns raised by Pantami and ensure that the process is free, fair, and credible. The people of Gombe State deserve a transparent and inclusive election process, and it's the responsibility of the party leadership to deliver that.

The situation in Gombe State is a reflection of the broader challenges facing Nigeria's electoral process. The country has a history of electoral disputes and violence, and the upcoming governorship elections are likely to be highly contested. The APC and other parties must prioritize the integrity of the process and ensure that the will of the people is respected.

In the coming days and weeks, the people of Gombe State will be watching closely to see how the APC responds to Pantami's withdrawal and the concerns he has raised. The party must take concrete steps to address the issues and ensure that the primaries are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. If they don't, it'll undermine the legitimacy of the process and damage the party's reputation.

The Pantamiyya Movement has vowed to continue its fight for good governance and justice in Gombe State and Nigeria. The movement's commitment to advancing the cause of democracy and the rule of law is unwavering, and its resolve to challenge injustice and corruption is unshakable. As the situation in Gombe State continues to unfold, the movement will be watching closely and demanding that the party leadership takes concrete steps to address the concerns of the people.

The road ahead will be challenging, but the people of Gombe State are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are respected. The APC and other parties must prioritize the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the will of the people is respected. If they don't, it'll be a betrayal of the trust and confidence that the people have placed in the party and its leaders.

As the situation continues to unfold, it's clear that the people of Gombe State won't be silenced or intimidated. They'll continue to demand justice, transparency, and accountability from their leaders, and they won't rest until their voices are heard and their rights are respected. The people of Gombe State are united in their quest for a better future, and they won't let anyone undermine their efforts.