Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has reacted to the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, assuring supporters that efforts are underway to resolve the matter.
INEC released its final list of governorship candidates on Saturday, October 10, with Pantami, who is seeking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, conspicuously absent.
The former minister resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May before defecting to the PDP amid preparations for the forthcoming election.
In a statement circulated on his social media platforms and signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe, Pantami’s camp described the omission as a temporary setback in the electoral process, urging supporters not to lose hope.
The development reportedly triggered concerns among PDP supporters and members of the Pantamiyya Movement in Gombe State and beyond.
The statement alleged that some individuals were working behind the scenes to frustrate what it described as the pursuit of responsible leadership in the state.
“We are aware of the people working behind the scenes to frustrate good and responsible leadership in Gombe State,” the statement said.
According to the camp, its legal and liaison teams are engaging with relevant organs of the PDP and INEC to address the omission and seek compliance with the court order referenced in the statement.
It expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved within the period permitted by law, while calling on supporters to remain calm and sustain their political mobilisation.
The statement further maintained that the omission should not be regarded as a final determination of Pantami’s political ambition.
It also reaffirmed the commitment of the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement to their political aspirations in Gombe State, urging members to remain united despite the development.
“No distraction will derail our course, in sha Allah,” the statement added.
