Shockwave in Gombe: Court Sacks Pantami, Orders Fresh PDP Governorship Primary!

A Federal High Court sitting in Gombe has nullified the primary election that previously affirmed Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Gombe State in the upcoming 2027 election. The court, presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, delivered its judgment on Thursday, mandating the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primary within 30 days, in strict adherence to its guidelines and relevant electoral laws.

The nullified primary, held on May 26, 2026, saw Pantami emerge as the PDP candidate through a voice affirmation, following his move from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. This outcome was challenged in court by fellow PDP governorship aspirant, Usman Aliyu Garry, who contended that the party had failed to conduct a valid primary election in accordance with its established guidelines and applicable electoral requirements. Pantami and the PDP had both defended the validity of the initial process.

Reacting to the judgment, Barrister Ibrahim Attahir, a member of Pantami’s legal team, stated that the immediate focus is on preparing for the fresh primary election. He indicated that, for now, the legal team is not pursuing an appeal against the judgment, opting instead to honor the court’s directive. Attahir, however, noted that this position could evolve after further consultations within the larger legal team. Despite the nullification, Attahir described the judgment as largely favorable to Pantami, highlighting three key aspects of the court’s decision.

Firstly, Attahir noted that one of the contentious issues raised by Pantami’s political opponents questioned his membership status in the APC after transitioning to the PDP. The court's decision, according to Attahir, effectively recognized the validity of Pantami’s exit from the APC, underscoring the voluntary nature of political party membership. He likened party membership to a non-compulsory association, distinct from a restrictive environment, marking this as a significant victory for Pantami and his supporters.

Secondly, the lawyer emphasized that the court rejected arguments challenging the validity of Pantami’s membership in the PDP and the process through which he became a governorship candidate. Attahir affirmed that political parties possess the inherent authority to determine their membership, and the PDP’s acceptance of Pantami as both a member and a candidate was deemed an internal party matter, which the court declined to interfere with regarding the primary election.

Thirdly, the judgment explicitly includes Pantami among those eligible to participate in the newly ordered fresh contest for the PDP governorship ticket. This means Pantami will be among the aspirants expected to vie for the nomination once again. Attahir reiterated that these three points collectively represent a major victory for Pantami, his supporters, and those invested in his political aspirations.

The Peoples Democratic Party leadership in Gombe State confirmed its commitment to comply fully with the court order. Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, affirmed the party's respect for the rule of law and the judiciary. He stated that the PDP would carefully study the judgment and would immediately commence the necessary processes to conduct a fresh governorship primary, upholding principles of internal democracy, due process, fairness, and strict adherence to its Constitution, Electoral Guidelines, and applicable laws. The party further announced that the date, timetable, and other specifics of the fresh primary would be communicated to all aspirants, stakeholders, and the public once arrangements are finalized, urging members to remain calm and united.

This development effectively reopens the PDP governorship race in Gombe State, temporarily halting Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s earlier emergence and requiring a renewed contest for the party's ticket for the 2027 election. Pantami's political journey saw him initially vying for the APC governorship ticket in Gombe, which he withdrew from due to disagreements, before joining the PDP where he secured the initial nomination.