BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The struggle for the membership of Professor Isa Ali Pantami between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Gombe State has heightened and taken serious struggle.
While the APC is insisting that the former minister of communications and Digital Economy, remains on its membership register, the PDP on the other hand, emphasised that Pantami had since joined its fold and abandoned the ruling party in accordance with laid down rules and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The PDP specifically said that Pantami is now its full-fledged, bona fide and card-carrying member, thus dismissed claims by the APC to his membership.
The PDP in a statement by Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, State Publicity Secretary, said the recent press conference addressed by the Spokesperson of the APC in Gombe State, claiming that the Governorship candidate of the PDP, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, remains its member is completely false and misleading.
Dukku said; “This claim is not only laughable but a display of ignorance of the Electoral Law and our Party’s Constitution. We wish to categorically state that Professor Pantami is a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), having duly complied with all the constitutional and legal requirements for membership of our party.
“The PDP has in its possession all relevant documents confirming Pantami’s resignation from his former party, the APC and was duly acknowledged by his then Ward Chairman.
“We therefore call on APC members and all Nigerians from the national down to the ward level, as well as the general public, to disregard the misleading claims being circulated by the sinking APC in Gombe State.
“The Chairman of APC in Pantami Ward has stated that he acknowledged the letter of Pantami’s resignation in person on the 19th of May, 2026 which he posted on the social media platform that went viral recently.
“We therefore urge APC in Gombe State to focus on preparing for the forthcoming general election instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions.
“It should be noted that this is the third time the APC has organized a press conference on the same issue, despite the facts being clear and well documented.
“If the APC lacks confidence in its candidate, it should address its internal concerns instead of insisting that Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami must stay in their party. After all, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Law as amended guarantees freedom of association.
“As far as we are aware, the APC still has an opportunity, within the provisions of the electoral process, to make decisions regarding its candidature if it believes it has presented a candidate who cannot effectively compete against the PDP candidate.
“The PDP remains committed to issue based campaigns and to providing the people of Gombe State with credible leadership, development, and good governance,” Dukku stated.
But, at a separate press briefing addressed by Moses Kyari Bolde, APC State Publicity Secretary in Gombe State, stressed that Isa Ali Pantami, remains its member, having not resigned from the party as being claimed.
Kyari further said; “As you may recall, Twenty-five out of the Twenty-seven members of the Ward Executive Committee publicly stated that they neither saw nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by Professor Ali Isa Pantami.
“They maintained that the claim was merely a fabrication orchestrated without the knowledge or approval of the Ward Executive Committee.
“According to the Ward Chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, the alleged resignation letter was received on the 23rd of May, 2026, although it was reportedly dated 19th May, 2026, and delivered by one Abba Pantami.
“Despite repeated requests, members of the Ward Executive Committee have not been provided with a copy of the said letter. It is therefore our position that, based on the provisions of the APC Constitution, INEC guidelines, and the Electoral Act, Professor Ali Isa Pantami remains a member of the APC until all due processes are properly followed and verified,” Kyari insisted.
The APC Spokesperson particularly referenced claims allegedly made by Pantami when he featured on TVC interview during which he allegedly said that his defection to the PDP and his gubernatorial ambition had the blessing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kyari pointedly declared; “We categorically reject this assertion. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a committed leader of the APC and has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the party.
“It is difficult to believe that the President would endorse activities that are contrary to the interests and unity of the APC.
“We also wish to emphasize that the APC administration in Gombe State, under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, has recorded remarkable achievements in governance, infrastructure development, peace, and political stability.
“The Governor has strengthened the party’s presence across the state, with overwhelming representation at the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and local government levels.
“Given these achievements and the continued growth of the APC in Gombe State, we find no basis for the claims being circulated regarding any endorsement of Professor Pantami’s political ambitions outside the party.
“Therefore, we call on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify and dispel these claims in order to prevent misinformation and avoid misleading the people.
“We remain committed to truth, transparency, and the unity of our great party. We appreciate your presence and attention, and we thank you for your continued support,” Kyari stated.
