Fresh Twist In Gombe Governorship Race As Pantami’s Camp Moves To Challenge INEC List

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, has appealed to his supporters to remain calm after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) left his name out of its final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.

Pantami, who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in May, was absent from the list released by the electoral commission on Saturday, prompting concerns among his supporters and members of the Pantamiyya Movement.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Pantami’s camp has described the development as a temporary electoral setback, insisting that efforts are underway to resolve the issue through legal and political channels.

In a statement shared on the former minister’s social media platforms, the camp said its legal and liaison teams were engaging relevant PDP organs and INEC to secure compliance with a court order and have the omission corrected within the period permitted by law.

The statement, signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe, acknowledged the concerns raised by PDP supporters and members of the Pantamiyya Movement both within and outside Gombe State.

The camp maintained that the publication of the final candidates’ list had not brought the matter to a definitive conclusion, expressing confidence that the necessary steps were being taken to address the situation.

“We are aware of the people working behind the scenes to frustrate good and responsible leadership in Gombe State,” the statement said.

Pantami’s camp urged supporters not to lose hope or abandon their political activities while the legal process continues. It encouraged members of the movement to sustain grassroots mobilisation and remain committed to the goal of serving the people of Gombe State.

The statement also reaffirmed the alliance between the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement, expressing confidence that both would continue to work towards advancing the political aspirations of their supporters.

The development introduces fresh uncertainty into Pantami’s bid for the Gombe governorship ahead of the 2027 elections, as his camp pursues legal and administrative avenues to resolve his exclusion from INEC’s published list.