Pantami Defies Gombe APC Consensus, Submits Governorship Form

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has rejected the APC consensus arrangement in Gombe State by officially submitting his governorship nomination form at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The move comes shortly after stakeholders in the state, led by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, reportedly endorsed Jamilu Gwamna as the APC’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Pantami’s supporters under the Pantamiyya Movement criticized the endorsement process, describing it as undemocratic and contrary to APC principles on internal democracy. Speaking to BBC Hausa, Pantami reportedly argued that all aspirants should have the opportunity to prove their popularity through a transparent primary election.

According to his camp, the nomination form was purchased by youths who said they had benefited from Pantami’s contributions and leadership. The form was later submitted to APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, ahead of the party’s May 21 primary election.

Supporters of the former minister have vowed to continue the contest, setting the stage for what observers expect to become a highly competitive APC governorship primary in Gombe State.