GOMBE — Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, has formally rejected the emergence of Jamilu Gwamna as the consensus governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, by Professor Suleiman Mohammed on behalf of the "Pantamiyya Movement," the group described the selection process as a "coronation" that defies legal and democratic standards.
The controversy stems from a recent decision by state party stakeholders to adopt Gwamna as the unified candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election. However, Pantami’s camp argues that this move bypasses the democratic rights of other aspirants and party members. Citing Section 84(2) of the Nigeria Electoral Act 2026, which outlines specific modes for the nomination of candidates, Mohammed asserted that the current action is completely contrary to the law, national party directives, and instructions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," the statement noted, urging supporters to remain calm but vigilant. The movement alleged that the consensus arrangement was reached without proper adherence to the provisions of the law, labeling it a "total disregard" for the legal framework governing political parties in Nigeria.
The Pantamiyya Movement further revealed that its legal team is currently reviewing the situation and identifying challenges within the APC membership database in Gombe State. Pantami is calling for the party to conduct direct primaries, which would allow all registered members to vote for their preferred candidate rather than relying on a closed-door consensus.
This internal rift highlights deepening divisions within the Gombe State APC as the 2027 election cycle approaches. With the former minister's camp vowing to challenge the decision, the party faces a potential legal battle that could disrupt its unity ahead of the polls.
How do you think the demand for direct primaries will impact the APC's internal stability in Gombe compared to a consensus-led approach?
