Gombe APC Primary Crisis Deepens as Pantami Withdraws From Governorship Race

Gombe, Nigeria - 19 May, 2026

Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and lack of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 party’s primary election process.

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Pantami said his decision followed “extensive consultations with stakeholders” and careful reflection on recent political developments within the party in Gombe State.

The former minister stated that although he accepted calls from party supporters, youth groups, women, and stakeholders to contest the governorship election, the APC leadership allegedly failed to provide critical information required for a credible and transparent primary exercise.

According to the statement, several letters sent through his solicitors to relevant organs of the party seeking clarification on procedures for the direct primaries were neither acknowledged nor answered.

Pantami accused the party of disregarding provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, claiming that the recent National Assembly direct primaries conducted in the state lacked transparency and failed to involve grassroots party members.

He alleged that details regarding accreditation of agents and observers, voting procedures, collation processes, and designated centres were not communicated to aspirants before results were announced.

The statement further noted that Pantami was the only APC governorship aspirant represented at the Peace Accord meeting organised by the Nigeria Police Force in Gombe on May 14, 2026, where his representative reportedly signed the peace agreement.

Pantami maintained that democracy must be guided by the rule of law and insisted that non-compliance with electoral guidelines undermines the legitimacy of the exercise.

The former minister also expressed appreciation to supporters — especially youths and women — who contributed funds through crowdfunding for the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms. According to him, donations ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦4 million, with contributors publicly sharing receipts online.

He urged members of the “Pantamiyya Movement” and his supporters across Nigeria to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and united while awaiting further political direction from the movement.

Pantami reaffirmed the group’s commitment to promoting good governance and resisting injustice through lawful and democratic means.

The APC governorship primary election in Gombe State is scheduled for May 21, 2026.