GOMBE — Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has come out swinging against allegations of disloyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, revealing that he personally bankrolled party operations to the tune of ₦95 million.
Speaking during a candid interview with TVC News, Pantami dismissed claims that he was an “absentee” leader during his time in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet. Instead, he painted a picture of a man who heavily financed the party’s backbone while others took the spotlight.
The ₦95 Million Receipt
To silence critics who questioned his grassroots involvement, Pantami provided a specific breakdown of his financial interventions:
- National Convention: Pantami stated he personally dropped ₦50 million to ensure Gombe State delegates could participate effectively in the Abuja convention.
- Party Validation: He further disclosed that he and his close associates contributed ₦45 million during the party’s membership validation exercise to strengthen the APC’s numerical edge in the state.
“The way people see things does not always reflect the work going on behind the scenes,” Pantami noted. He insisted that his focus has always been on party growth rather than seeking cheap publicity or “fame” for his contributions.
Resistance Against ‘Consensus’
These revelations come at a time of deep friction within the Gombe APC. Pantami is currently leading a fierce resistance against the party’s move to push through a “consensus” governorship candidate for the 2027 race.
Labeling the move as an attempt to bypass the will of the people, the former Minister argued that his financial and moral investments in the party give him the right to demand a fair, transparent primary process. He warned that any attempt to “coronate” a candidate without a proper vote would be met with stiff legal and political opposition.
The Road to 2027
Despite the state chapter’s preference for a consensus arrangement, Pantami’s supporters have already purchased and submitted his nomination forms at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. The former Minister maintains that his “unwavering loyalty” is to the party’s rank and file, not to a few individuals attempting to hijack the structure.
“I have consistently prioritized party unity,” Pantami concluded, “but unity cannot be built on the foundation of injustice.”
