ABUJA — Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing systemic violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and a lack of transparency in the party’s electoral process.
The former minister announced his decision on Monday, describing the withdrawal as a peaceful protest against what he termed an “unsafe and illegitimate” primary exercise. According to the statement, despite fully complying with party guidelines and being the only aspirant to sign the Nigeria Police Force’s Peace Accord on May 14, Pantami was repeatedly denied access to critical information regarding voting procedures, agent accreditation, and collation centers.
The statement further alleged that during the party’s National Assembly direct primaries held on May 16 and 18, results were announced without actual elections taking place, and grassroots members—particularly women and youth who form the core of Pantami’s support—were sidelined.
Pantami, who expressed gratitude to supporters who crowdfunded his nomination forms, emphasized that his commitment to good governance remains unchanged. The Pantamiyya Movement indicated that next steps would be communicated to supporters in due course.
The APC governorship primary in Gombe State was scheduled for May 21, 2026.
