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.
Pantami clinched the party’s ticket through a voice affirmation primary election held on Tuesday in Gombe State.
Acceptance Speech
After being declared winner, Pantami said he joined the race to offer service to the people of Gombe State, pledging fairness, justice, and inclusive governance if elected governor in 2027.
Political Background and Controversy
His emergence has sparked reactions within the PDP in Gombe State.
- Four PDP governorship aspirants had earlier opposed moves to bring him into the race, warning it could trigger internal crisis.
- They also raised concerns about the legality of his participation, citing his earlier involvement in the APC governorship process before switching parties.
APC Connection and Internal Dispute
Before joining the PDP process, Pantami was linked to the APC governorship primaries in Gombe.
- He reportedly participated in the APC screening and primaries but later withdrew, citing lack of transparency.
- The APC eventually produced Jamilu Gwamna as its governorship candidate for Gombe State.
Pantami had also previously opposed the APC consensus arrangement that produced Gwamna, insisting on a transparent primary election.
Emerging Political Contest
Pantami is now expected to face the APC governorship candidate, Jamilu Gwamna, in what is shaping up to be a major political contest in Gombe State ahead of 2027.
