Party war: APC, PDP clash over Pantami in Gombe

A political dispute has erupted in Gombe State as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party traded accusations over the political membership status of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Isa Pantami.

Speaking to journalists, APC Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, said ward executives in Mr Pantami’s constituency denied ever seeing or deliberating on any resignation letter.

“25 out of the 27 members of the ward executive committee publicly stated that they neither saw nor deliberated on any resignation letter,” he said.

The controversy follows Mr Pantami’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, after the APC primary reportedly produced Jamilu Gwamna as its flagbearer.

APC: “Pantami still our member”

The APC in Gombe State insists Mr Pantami remains a member of the party, alleging that due process was not followed in his purported resignation.

Mr Kyari added that the alleged resignation letter, reportedly dated 19 May 2026, was only received on 23 May and delivered by a third party, raising questions about its authenticity.

He argued that under the APC constitution and electoral guidelines, Mr Pantami remains a member until proper procedures are completed.

APC questions alleged presidential endorsement claim

The APC also dismissed claims that Mr Pantami said his defection and governorship ambition had the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We categorically reject this assertion,” Mr Kyari stated, urging the party leadership and the Presidency to clarify the matter.

PDP: “Pantami is our bona fide member”

In a swift response, the PDP insisted Mr Pantami had legally joined the party and is now its valid governorship candidate.

The state PDP Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Dukku, said the party possesses documents confirming Pantami’s resignation from the APC.

“We wish to categorically state that Professor Pantami is a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.

The PDP claimed that Mr Pantami’s resignation was acknowledged by the APC ward chairman on 19 May 2026, and even circulated publicly.

Political tension ahead of 2027

The PDP accused the APC of repeatedly holding press conferences over the issue, describing it as unnecessary and distracting.

The party urged the ruling APC to focus on election preparations rather than internal disputes, insisting that freedom of association under the constitution supports Mr Pantami’s move.

The disagreement highlights growing political tension in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as both parties seek to consolidate support in a strategically important North-East state.

The PDP reaffirmed its readiness for issue-based campaigns, while the APC maintained that due process must be verified before Mr Pantami’s status can be considered changed.