Pantami Withdraws from APC Gombe Governorship Race Over Alleged Electoral Violations
By Ojo Evans
Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Gombe State, citing violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the party’s failure to provide information needed for a credible contest. The announcement was made on 19 May 2026 by the Pantamiyya Movement.
In a statement issued on behalf of the movement, Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir said Pantami’s decision came after repeated attempts to obtain details on the conduct of the direct primary scheduled for 21 May 2026 went unanswered. Letters sent by his solicitors to party organs requesting information and raising concerns reportedly received no reply.
Pantami, a former minister and the only APC governorship aspirant from Gombe to attend the Peace Accord organized by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command on 14 May 2026, said his representative was also the only one who signed the accord. He stated that his participation in the process reflected loyalty to the party and adherence to its guidelines.
The statement alleged that grassroots members, particularly women and youth who form the base of Pantami’s support, were sidelined during the National Assembly direct primaries held on 16 and 18 May 2026. It claimed that no actual election took place and that results were announced without details on venues, procedures, or accreditation for agents and observers.
According to the statement, requests for information on accreditation times and locations, voting and collation procedures, and the location of collation centres were not provided to aspirants. It argued that non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and party guidelines rendered the process unsafe and illegitimate.
Pantami thanked youth supporters who used crowdfunding to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms, with contributions ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million. He also acknowledged coordinators, the media team, elders, and his Campaign Coordinating Committee for their efforts.
The statement urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding to preserve peace and security in Gombe State. It said the withdrawal was a peaceful protest against what it described as disregard for electoral rules and failure to implement the framework for a credible primary.
The Pantamiyya Movement said it would communicate its next steps and future plans to supporters in Gombe State and across Nigeria in due course. It reaffirmed its commitment to advancing good governance and stated that its resolve against injustice through lawful means remained unshakable.