FORMER Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has withdrawn from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled for May 21 in Gombe State.
The decision was announced in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria and signed by Ibrahim Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.
Pantami, who had earlier submitted his nomination form at the APC national headquarters in Abuja on May 7, attributed his withdrawal to alleged violations of the electoral process and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Earlier this month, the APC in Gombe announced Jamilu Gwamna as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
However, the Pantamiyya Movement rejected the arrangement, arguing that it violated the APC constitution, directives of the party’s national leadership, and instructions reportedly issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Pantami had also described the consensus arrangement as a mere “coronation,” insisting that it contravened statutory provisions of the nation’s electoral laws.
According to Attahir, Pantami’s withdrawal was a protest against what he described as violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the APC leadership’s alleged failure to provide information necessary for a transparent and credible contest.
“Despite his loyalty, he was repeatedly denied access to critical information. Letters sent by his solicitors to the various organs of the party requesting details and raising concerns about the forthcoming governorship direct primaries received no reply or acknowledgement,” the statement said.
“The requests were not granted, and the issues remain unresolved. In a democracy, the law must guide the process. Non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate.”
The group further claimed that the National Assembly direct primaries conducted in the state on May 16 and 18 exposed deep flaws in the process.
According to the statement, Pantami’s political strength lies largely in his grassroots support base, especially among women and youths, but alleged that such grassroots participation was sidelined during the recent primaries.
“After extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful reflection on the developments in Gombe State, Prof. Pantami has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primary election scheduled for 21 May 2026, under protest. Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy,” the statement added.
The Pantamiyya Movement maintained that the withdrawal was based on what it termed blatant disregard for the Electoral Act 2026 and the party’s inability to establish the framework required for a credible direct primary election.
It also alleged that during the National Assembly primaries in the state, no actual election took place despite the announcement of results.
“According to testimony from several aspirants, relevant details on venues, procedures, and agent and observer accreditation were not provided, yet results were announced,” the statement read.
The movement further claimed that despite President Tinubu’s insistence on free, fair, and credible direct primaries, such directives were not implemented in Gombe State.
It stated that Pantami had formally requested information regarding accreditation of agents and observers, voting procedures, collation processes, and designated collation centres, but alleged that no response was provided.
“This information should have been provided to all aspirants without being solicited. As of this moment, nothing has been provided,” the statement added.
Attahir also commended supporters of the former minister for contributing funds toward the purchase of his expression of interest and nomination forms.