Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act and irregularities in the party’s consensus process.

Pantami, who was among the frontline aspirants for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, accused the party leadership in the state of breaching due process in the selection of a consensus candidate.

He alleged that the process which produced Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the party’s preferred candidate did not follow the provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that it lacked transparency and proper consultation with all aspirants.

According to him, the arrangement amounted to what he described as a “coronation rather than a consensus,” arguing that legitimate procedures for internal party democracy were not observed.

Pantami maintained that the development had forced him to withdraw from the contest in protest, while insisting that he remains committed to the principles of fairness and internal democracy within the party.

The APC in Gombe State had earlier announced a consensus arrangement following consultations among stakeholders, a move that has continued to generate controversy among party members and aspirants.

The situation has deepened internal divisions within the party in the state ahead of the upcoming governorship race.