Isa Ali Pantami, the former Communications and Digital Economy Minister, has won the PDP's governorship ticket in Gombe State. He clinched the party's nomination through voice affirmation during Tuesday's primary election.
Pantami switched to the PDP after months of turmoil within the APC. He'd initially sought the ruling party's ticket but withdrew days before their primary, citing transparency concerns.
Gregory Yenlong, chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel, declared Pantami the sole aspirant. He subsequently announced him as the party's flag bearer for 2027.
Speaking after his victory, Pantami outlined his vision for Gombe. He promised to build an inclusive administration grounded in fairness, justice, and accountability if voters elect him governor.
His nomination sets up a heavyweight clash in the state. Jamilu Gwamna, who won the APC ticket, will face Pantami in what observers expect to be a fierce contest.
Four PDP aspirants had loudly opposed Pantami's entry into their party. Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Usman Aliyu Garry, and Monica Kaltho warned the party against what they called "smuggling" him into the race.
In a communiqué released Sunday, these aspirants made their position crystal clear. They argued that anyone who'd participated in another party's primary shouldn't contest under a different platform in the same election cycle.
The group acknowledged welcoming new members to the PDP. However, they insisted that party rules and electoral laws must be strictly followed.
Their objections didn't stop PDP stakeholders from backing Pantami on Tuesday. Party members rallied around him and handed him the nomination decisively.
Political observers say Pantami's defection has dramatically reshaped Gombe's electoral landscape. His experience and profile have elevated the stakes considerably for 2027.
The battle between Pantami and Gwamna is expected to dominate state politics. Analysts predict an intense campaign between two formidable political heavyweights.
