Pantami Withdraws from Gombe APC Governorship Race, Cites Electoral Violations

Pantami Withdraws from Gombe APC Governorship Race, Cites Electoral Violations

Former Minister and governorship aspirant Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has withdrawn from the governorship race of the All Progressives Congress in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and concerns over the conduct of the party’s primary process.

Pantami announced his withdrawal under protest, stating that the decision followed consultations with stakeholders and what he described as the party’s failure to provide necessary information and frameworks required for a transparent and credible primary election.

According to the statement, Pantami said he had accepted calls from political leaders, youth groups, women and other stakeholders to contest the governorship election and had fully complied with the party’s procedures and requirements throughout the process.

He noted that he participated in activities organised ahead of the primaries, including the Peace Accord convened by the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe State on May 14, 2026, where his representative reportedly attended and signed the agreement.

Pantami, however, alleged that despite his participation and commitment to the process, requests for critical information regarding the direct primaries were repeatedly ignored.

According to him, letters submitted through his solicitors seeking details on procedures, accreditation of agents and observers, voting arrangements and collation processes were neither acknowledged nor responded to by party officials.

He also expressed concerns over the conduct of the recently held National Assembly direct primaries in the state, alleging that grassroots members were sidelined during the process.

“Non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate,” the statement said.

Pantami further stated that although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had emphasised the importance of free, fair and credible direct primaries, such directives were not reflected in the process in Gombe State.

The former minister thanked supporters, especially youth and women groups, who contributed financially toward the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms through crowdfunding initiatives.

He also expressed appreciation to campaign coordinators, media teams, elders and members of his campaign committee for their support and urged supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

Pantami said the Pantamiyya Movement would communicate its future political direction and next steps in due course, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting good governance and pursuing its objectives through lawful means.

Pantami Withdraws from Gombe APC Governorship Race, Cites Electoral Violations