GOMBE, NIGERIA — A major crisis has engulfed the Gombe State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the defection and subsequent emergence of the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The confirmation took place during Tuesday’s rescheduled primary election in Gombe, where the Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel, Hon. Gregory Yenlong, declared Pantami the sole aspirant after a consensus arrangement. He was subsequently affirmed by a voice vote of delegates, polling an aggregated total of 52,955 votes across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Aspirants Reject Consensus, Cite Legal Violations
The development has triggered immediate resistance from long-term PDP stakeholders and rival gubernatorial hopefuls. Prior to the primary, four key aspirants—Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Hon. Usman Aliyu Garry, and Mrs. Monica Kaltho—issued a joint communiqué strongly opposing what they described as an attempt to “smuggle” Pantami into the race.
Following the announcement, the aggrieved aspirants openly dissociated themselves from the consensus arrangement, raising critical concerns over internal democracy and legal compliance:
- Procedural Bypass: The aspirants maintained that they had fully complied with party regulations, including purchasing nomination forms, clearing screenings, and conducting delegate consultations ahead of the initially scheduled May 24 exercise.
- Timing and Ineligibility: The group argued that Pantami had already participated in the processes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race on May 21. They asserted that under established democratic principles and electoral guidelines, an individual cannot migrate and immediately claim a ticket within the same specific primary cycle.
- Risk of Litigation: Stakeholders warned that the sudden adoption of a recent defector invalidates months of internal party preparations and exposes the PDP to severe legal vulnerabilities that could compromise the ticket entirely ahead of the general election.
The Path to the PDP Ticket
Pantami’s entry into the PDP occurred just days after he withdrew from the ruling APC gubernatorial primary race on May 19, citing a lack of transparency and systemic irregularities in the conduct of the process. The APC ticket was subsequently secured by Jamilu Gwamna, setting up a direct contest between the two political figures.
Defending his immediate switch and candidacy, Pantami stated that his decision to run under the PDP was motivated by public service rather than personal ambition. He cited the state’s current economic profile, noting that Gombe retains a high poverty index of approximately 74.5 percent, and pledged an administration rooted in accountability and equitable governance.
The deepening factional rift poses a significant structural challenge for the opposition party as it attempts to mount a unified campaign against the ruling APC in 2027.
