Pantami’s Political Influence Dominates Gombe APC-PDP Debate — Sabo Labaran

Gombe, Nigeria 🇳🇬 June 16, 2026

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Hon. Sabo Sani Labaran, has questioned the continued focus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, arguing that the attention reflects his growing political influence in the state.

In a statement, Labaran said the APC's repeated press conferences and public discussions concerning Pantami's political status suggest that the former minister remains a significant factor in Gombe politics.

According to him, if Pantami were politically irrelevant, the ruling party would not be devoting substantial time and resources to discussions about his membership and activities.

Labaran noted that Pantami spent years supporting and contributing to the APC but was never given the opportunity to emerge as the party's governorship candidate.

He argued that Pantami's decision to join the PDP has provided him with a platform to pursue his political aspirations, including the possibility of contesting for the governorship.

The PDP stalwart also maintained that Pantami had lawfully resigned from the APC and fulfilled the necessary requirements to become a member of the opposition party.

He accused the APC of concentrating on debates surrounding resignation letters and party procedures rather than addressing issues affecting residents of the state.

“Every attempt to downplay Pantami’s political relevance only reinforces public perception of his influence,” Labaran stated.

He further urged political parties to focus on governance and policies capable of improving the lives of citizens, including job creation, education, healthcare, and infrastructural development.

Labaran concluded that the sustained attention being given to Pantami by political opponents indicates that he remains an important figure in the evolving political landscape of Gombe State ahead of future electoral contests.