Gombe PDP gubernatorial candidate rejects Pantami in 2027

Abdulkadir Saleh, a governorship aspirant for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, has publicly rejected the selection of former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Isa Pantami as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking from his home in Gombe, Saleh said that Pantami’s emergence was unfair to other aspirants who had bought nomination forms and followed the party’s prescribed procedures.

Saleh noted that the PDP primary, originally scheduled for Sunday, was postponed to Tuesday. He expressed surprise at learning that Pantami had been chosen as the candidate.

“While we were waiting for the primary election to be conducted last Sunday, it was suddenly announced that it was moved to Tuesday,” Saleh said. “Without any explanation from the party leadership, we woke up this morning to the news that Isa Pantami had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate.”

The aspirant also questioned Pantami’s eligibility to participate in the PDP primary, pointing out that Pantami had previously contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary on May 21, 2026.

“I condemn in the strongest terms what I consider an injustice against me and other aspirants. My legal team is already working on the matter, and we will seek redress through the appropriate legal channels,” he added.

Pantami reportedly secured the PDP governorship candidacy through a voice affirmation during the party’s primary election held on Tuesday, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.