Pantami Secures Gombe PDP Ticket, Promises Inclusive Governance

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State after officially joining the party ahead of the forthcoming election.

Pantami secured the party’s ticket through a voice affirmation during the PDP primary election held on Tuesday in Gombe, despite earlier opposition from some aspirants within the party over his defection and participation in the contest.

Before the primary election, four PDP governorship aspirants — Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Hon. Usman Aliyu Garry, and Mrs. Monica Kaltho — had expressed concerns over Pantami’s eligibility to participate in the exercise.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Gombe on Sunday, the aspirants argued that electoral laws do not permit a candidate who had allegedly participated in another party’s primary election to defect and contest under a different platform within the same election cycle.

The aspirants stressed that while the PDP remains open to welcoming new members, the party should not allow anyone who had already taken part in another party’s primaries to contest its governorship ticket.

However, PDP stakeholders at Tuesday’s primary endorsed Pantami as the party’s flagbearer, describing him as the preferred choice to lead the party into the governorship election.

In his acceptance speech, Pantami thanked party leaders, delegates, and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to run an inclusive administration that would serve every part of Gombe State fairly.

“This moment is not just about an individual; it is about a collective vision for the future of our dear state,” he said.

According to him, his administration would focus on justice, unity, development, and equal opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or social background.

“Our mission is to serve the entire eleven local government areas of Gombe State without discrimination,” Pantami stated.

The former minister also urged residents to embrace unity and diversity, saying differences should be used to strengthen the state rather than create division among the people.

Reflecting on the PDP’s years in government between 2003 and 2019, Pantami said the party laid the foundation for many developmental projects and institutions across the state.

He highlighted projects such as the establishment of educational institutions, including the state university, Federal University Kashere, University of Science and Technology Kumo, College of Education Billiri, and the state polytechnic.

He also mentioned infrastructure projects like the International Conference Centre, the international airport, roads, stadiums, and water schemes executed during the PDP administration.

Pantami acknowledged that poverty and unemployment remain major challenges facing the state, and he promised that his administration would prioritise economic growth, youth empowerment, and improved living conditions for residents.

His emergence is expected to intensify political activities in Gombe State as parties begin preparations for the next governorship election.