2027 Election Drama: Gombe Aspirant Drops Suit, Endorses Pantami

Hon. Monica Yahaya Kaltho, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Gombe State, has announced her withdrawal from the legal challenge against the party’s governorship primary for the 2027 election. She has also declared her unequivocal support for the PDP’s candidate, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami. Kaltho’s decision, made public on Saturday, signifies her stepping back from a court case initiated by a group of aggrieved governorship aspirants who contested the outcome of the PDP primary, where Professor Pantami emerged as the party’s sole affirmed candidate.

It is recalled that in May, Kaltho was among four PDP governorship aspirants, including Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, and Usman Aliyu Garry, who had previously opposed Professor Pantami’s entry into the party and his participation in the primary. Their concern stemmed from reports that Pantami had allegedly contested in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, a move they warned could expose the PDP to litigation and undermine its internal democratic processes.

However, Kaltho has now distanced herself from the legal action, explaining that her change of heart followed extensive consultations and a direct appeal from former Gombe State governor and influential PDP leader, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who represents Gombe North. She stated that she accepted Dankwambo’s advice, whom she described as “a father and a leader” whose counsel she deeply values, prioritizing party unity and progress over personal political ambition. Kaltho urged all party members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the collective objective of securing victory for the PDP in the 2027 governorship election and ensuring quality leadership for Gombe State.

Responding to her decision, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami expressed profound appreciation for Kaltho’s maturity, patriotism, and dedication to strengthening the PDP. He assured her that she remains a crucial stakeholder within the party and pledged to involve all members in the collective effort to build a stronger PDP ahead of the upcoming general election. As a gesture of respect and gratitude, Professor Pantami personally visited Kaltho at her residence to thank her for her support and statesmanship, describing her decision as a significant sacrifice made in the best interest of the PDP and the people of Gombe State. This was corroborated by a statement issued by Hussaini Ali Muhammed, Media Aide to Senator Dankwambo, and made available to journalists on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Professor Pantami’s governorship ambition for 2027 has received further significant boosts with the defection of two prominent politicians to the PDP, who have subsequently joined his campaign. Leading these new endorsements is Kelmi Lazarus, who was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections in Gombe State and a former state chairman of the party. Lazarus announced his defection and declared his support for Professor Pantami, stating that his decision followed extensive consultations with his supporters. The former General Manager of Gombe Radio Corporation affirmed his conviction that Pantami possesses the essential leadership qualities, vision, competence, integrity, and capacity required to provide purposeful governance and advance the development of Gombe State. He further described Pantami as the most qualified contender in the governorship race and called upon his supporters and the people of Gombe State to rally behind the PDP candidate for the state’s progress and prosperity.

In a similar development, Air Vice Marshal B.A. Sani (Rtd), a distinguished son of the Cham community from Balanga South, Balanga Local Government Area, also announced his defection to the PDP and declared his unwavering backing for Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s candidature for Gombe governor in 2027. Air Vice Marshal Sani cited Professor Pantami’s exceptional leadership qualities, proven competence, integrity, visionary leadership, wealth of administrative experience, and remarkable record of public service as his motivations. He noted Pantami’s capacity, experience, and commitment to providing purposeful leadership, fostering unity, driving sustainable development, and improving the lives of Gombe State residents. He pledged his full support for Professor Pantami’s governorship ambition and all PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The Gombe State chapter of the PDP warmly welcomed both Kelmi Lazarus and Air Vice Marshal B.A. Sani (Rtd) into its fold. The party described these defections as significant additions that strengthen its growing support base across Gombe State and reflect increasing confidence among political leaders and stakeholders in Professor Pantami’s leadership and the PDP’s vision for inclusive governance, progress, and prosperity. The party assured the new members and their supporters of equal opportunities to contribute to its efforts to build a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Gombe State, eagerly anticipating collaboration to secure victory for Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and all PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections.