Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and lack of transparency in the conduct of the exercise.
Pantami announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Tuesday by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.
The former minister said his decision followed what he described as the party’s failure to provide “a channel of communication and information essential for a credible contest.”
According to the statement, Pantami had initially accepted pressure from political stakeholders, youths, women groups and supporters across Gombe State to join the governorship race and had complied with all requirements laid down by the APC.
The statement noted that Pantami was the only APC governorship aspirant who sent a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on May 14, 2026.
“His representative was the only one who signed the Peace Accord during the meeting,” the statement said.
Despite what it described as his loyalty to the party, Pantami alleged that repeated efforts to obtain critical information regarding the conduct of the direct primaries were ignored by the party leadership.
“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 added.
The former minister maintained that the alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and APC guidelines had undermined the credibility of the process.
“In a democracy, the law must guide the process. Non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party guidelines renders the exercise unsafe and illegitimate,” the statement read.
Pantami also referenced the conduct of the APC National Assembly direct primaries held in the state on May 16 and 18, alleging that genuine party members at the grassroots level were excluded from the process.
“The strength of Pantami lies in his massive grassroots support, particularly among women and youth. Unfortunately, in the recent direct primaries, members at the grassroots were sidelined in the process,” the statement stated.
Announcing his withdrawal from the governorship contest scheduled for May 21, Pantami described the move as a protest against what he termed disregard for due process.
“After extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful reflection on the developments in Gombe State, Prof. Pantami has taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primary election scheduled for 21 May 2026, under protest. Peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy,” the statement said.
The former minister further alleged that no real election took place during the National Assembly primaries 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 claimed.
Pantami also said directives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the need for free, fair and credible direct primaries were not implemented in Gombe State.
The statement revealed that Pantami had requested details relating to accreditation procedures, voting process, collation centres, and observer guidelines, but alleged that the information was never provided.
The former minister expressed appreciation to supporters, particularly youths, who contributed funds toward the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms.
“Contributions ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million, and receipts were issued and shared publicly online by the contributors,” the statement added.
The Pantamiyya Movement said it would soon announce its next political direction and urged supporters across Gombe State and Nigeria to remain united ahead of future political realignments.
“The movement’s commitment to advancing good governance in Gombe State and Nigeria remains unwavering, and its resolve against injustice through lawful means is unshakable,” the statement concluded.