By Queen Madaki
The immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections, The Bureau Journal reports.
Pantami was selected through a voice affirmation process during the party’s primary election held on Tuesday in Gombe.
He was declared the sole aspirant by Hon. Gregory Yenlong, Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel.
Pantami Pledges Fairness and Inclusive Governance
Speaking after his emergence, Pantami said his decision to contest was driven by a desire to serve the people of Gombe State.
He pledged that if elected governor in 2027, his administration would be anchored on fairness, justice, and inclusive governance.
“I am in this race to serve the people of Gombe State with fairness and justice,” Pantami said.
Set for Electoral Battle With APC Candidate
Pantami will now face Dr. Jamilu Gwamna, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what is expected to be a closely watched contest in 2027.
Earlier, Pantami had opposed the APC consensus arrangement that produced Gwamna, insisting on a more transparent primary process before eventually withdrawing from the party’s contest.
PDP Internal Disputes Trail His Emergence
Following the PDP primaries, four governorship aspirants raised concerns over Pantami’s entry into the race, alleging procedural and legal concerns regarding his eligibility.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Gombe, the aspirants — Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Hon. Usman Aliyu Garry, and Mrs. Monica Kaltho — argued that party rules should not allow candidates who participated in another party’s primary process to re-enter a new contest after votes had been cast elsewhere.
They, however, reaffirmed that while the PDP welcomes new entrants, due process must be strictly followed in line with electoral laws and party guidelines.
Political Implications for Gombe 2027 Race
Pantami’s emergence adds a major dimension to the 2027 governorship race in Gombe State, setting up a high-profile contest between two former federal appointees on opposing party platforms.
Political observers say the development is likely to intensify early campaign positioning in the state.
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