Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, alongside former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, have both exited the All Progressives Congress following rising tensions over governorship primaries in their respective states.
Pantami has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party, where he also emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for Gombe State during a primary election held on Tuesday. He was returned as the sole aspirant after delegates adopted him through a voice vote, with the electoral panel confirming his victory shortly after the exercise.
After securing the ticket, Pantami stated that his decision to run for governor was motivated by his desire to serve the people of Gombe State, adding that his administration would prioritize fairness and justice if elected in 2027.
He is expected to face the APC candidate, Jamilu Gwamna, who previously emerged as the party’s flag bearer in the state.
Before leaving the APC, Pantami had opposed the process that produced the party’s consensus candidate in Gombe, calling for a direct primary. He later withdrew from the race on the eve of the exercise, citing concerns about transparency in the selection process. His move to the PDP later triggered internal disagreements, as some aspirants protested his acceptance into the party’s governorship race after participating in the APC process.
Despite the objections, PDP stakeholders in Gombe eventually cleared him to contest under the party’s platform for the 2027 governorship election.
In a separate development, former IGP Mohammed Adamu also resigned from the APC after losing the party’s governorship primary in Nasarawa State to Senator Aliyu Wadada. He submitted his resignation letter to party officials in Makama ward, Lafia.
Adamu attributed his exit to dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries, saying the process did not reflect fairness and internal democratic principles. He added that he would continue his political ambition on another platform after consulting with his supporters and family.
He also appreciated APC members across different levels for their support during his time in the party.
