Pantami Withdraws From APC Governorship Primaries,Alleges Electoral Act Violations
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and the party’s failure to ensure a transparent and credible process.
Pantami announced his withdrawal on Tuesday through a statement issued by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.
According to the statement, Pantami decided to pull out of the race after consultations with stakeholders and concerns over what he described as non-compliance with the Electoral Act and APC guidelines ahead of the governorship primary scheduled for May 21, 2026.
The former minister said he joined the race after receiving calls from political leaders, youths, women, and other stakeholders across the state, and maintained that he followed all procedures and guidelines laid down by the party.
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, where his representative reportedly signed the accord.
However, the movement alleged that despite his compliance with party requirements, Pantami and his team were repeatedly denied access to vital information regarding the conduct of the direct primaries.
It said letters written by his solicitors to relevant party organs seeking clarification on procedures, accreditation of agents and observers, voting arrangement, and collation centers were neither acknowledged nor responded to.
The statement further claimed that irregularities witnessed during the APC National Assembly direct primaries conducted on May 16 and 18 influenced Pantami’s decision to withdraw from the governorship contest.
According to the movement, grassroots party members, particularly women and youths believed to form the core of Pantami’s support base, were allegedly sidelined during the exercise.
The statement also alleged that results were announced in some cases without actual voting taking place and without providing aspirants with details of venues, procedure, and accreditation processes.
Pantami maintained that peaceful protest remains a legitimate democratic tool and said his withdrawal was intended to register dissatisfaction with what he described as disregard for due process and internal democracy.
The former minister expressed appreciation to supporters, especially youths who reportedly contributed through crowdfunding to purchase his nomination and expression of interest forms.
The movement said contributions ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million and thanked coordinators, women groups, elders, campaign official, and supporters across wards and local government areas in Gombe State for their support.
Pantami urged his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, stressing the need to preserve peace and security in the state.
He added that the Pantamiyya Movement would announce its next political steps and future direction in due course.