Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Pantami secured the party’s ticket through a voice affirmation during the PDP primary election held on Tuesday in Gombe, where he was the sole aspirant. His emergence was announced by the Chairman of the party’s Electoral Panel, Gregory Yenlong.
Speaking after being declared the winner, Pantami said his decision to contest was driven by a desire to serve the people of Gombe State. He promised to lead with fairness and justice if elected governor in 2027.
“I contested for the seat to offer service to the people of the state. If elected in 2027, I will govern with fairness and justice,” he said.
Pantami is expected to face Jamilu Gwamna of the All Progressives Congress in the governorship election.
His emergence follows a controversial political shift after he earlier withdrew from the APC governorship primary in Gombe State, citing concerns over the party’s consensus arrangement and the transparency of the process.
The development also generated opposition from some PDP aspirants, who questioned moves to allow Pantami participate in the party’s governorship race after leaving the APC. They argued that electoral guidelines should not permit cross-party participation after earlier primaries had already taken place.
Despite the concerns, PDP stakeholders proceeded with the process and officially presented Pantami as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.
