Pantami quits Gombe APC gov race, protests ‘Electoral Act violations’

A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, on Tuesday withdrew from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and irregularities in the party’s electoral process.

Pantami announced his withdrawal in a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.

The former minister said his decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and concerns over the credibility of the primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026.

“Prof. Pantami has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primary election scheduled for 21 May 2026, under protest,” the statement read.

According to the statement, Pantami accused the party leadership of failing to provide aspirants with critical information needed for a transparent and credible exercise.

“The protest is based on the blatant disregard for the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the failure of the party leadership to implement the framework required for a credible primary election,” the statement added.

Pantami maintained that despite complying with party guidelines and participating fully in the process, several letters written by his solicitors seeking clarification on procedures for the direct primary election were ignored.

“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 acknowledgment,” the statement said.

The former minister also referenced the recently conducted National Assembly direct primaries in the state, alleging that the process lacked transparency.

“During the National Assembly primaries, no actual election took place in the state. According to the testimony of several aspirants, relevant details on venues, procedures, and agent and observer accreditation were not provided, but results were announced,” the statement noted.

Pantami further claimed that his camp repeatedly requested information regarding accreditation procedures, collation centres and voting guidelines but received no response.

“As of this moment, nothing has been provided,” the statement added.

The statement noted that Pantami was the only governorship aspirant in the APC to send a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe on May 14, 2026, with his representative also being the only one to sign the accord.

Pantami thanked supporters, especially youths and women who contributed funds for the purchase of his nomination forms through crowdfunding.

“He expresses deep gratitude to the youth who used crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms. Contributions ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million,” the statement said.

He urged supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

“Democracy rests on the rule of law, peace and security,” the statement added.

The Pantamiyya Movement said it would communicate its next political steps and future plans to supporters across Nigeria in due course.