A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Gombe State has accused former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, of attempting to join the party in order to secure its 2027 governorship ticket after withdrawing from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary.
The PDP source, who spoke anonymously, alleged that Pantami was making moves to “take over” the opposition party in the state despite previously participating in the APC governorship selection process.
According to the aspirant, electoral provisions would prevent Pantami from contesting under a new political party after taking part in another party’s primary, arguing that such a move could violate established electoral rules.
The source further claimed that leading PDP governorship hopefuls in the state had initially agreed to allow the party leadership, under former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, to decide on a consensus candidate before Pantami’s reported interest emerged.
It was also alleged that Pantami had already obtained PDP nomination forms and was preparing to formally declare his intention to contest under the party, with claims that internal arrangements within the PDP had been adjusted to accommodate his entry.
The aspirant additionally suggested that the party’s governorship primary in Gombe State was postponed to facilitate Pantami’s possible defection and participation in the contest.
Meanwhile, Pantami recently withdrew from the APC governorship primary in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act and irregularities in the conduct of the party’s direct primary process.
He reportedly stated that despite his active participation and compliance with party requirements, he was denied access to key information and transparency in the process, which influenced his decision to exit the race.
