The political landscape in Gombe State has been thrown into complete disarray after the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe nullified the nomination of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for 2027.
Presiding judge Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed delivered the bombshell ruling following a legal challenge mounted by aggrieved PDP governorship aspirant, Usman Aliyu Garry. Garry had dragged Pantami, the PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court, arguing that the party failed to hold a valid, competitive primary election before declaring Pantami its candidate through voice affirmation.
Pantami, who famously defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the main opposition party after losing out on the APC ticket to Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, had swiftly claimed the PDP flag. However, internal resistance flared as long-standing PDP aspirants protested his sudden entry and controversial endorsement.
Upholding the plaintiff’s argument, Justice Mohammed ruled that the shortcut process violated electoral guidelines and party rules. The court consequently invalidated Pantami’s candidacy certificate and ordered the PDP to immediately organize a fresh, transparent governorship primary to select a legitimate flagbearer for the 2027 election.
With the PDP now forced back to the drawing board, will Pantami manage to secure the ticket in a open contest, or will the home-grown PDP aspirants reclaim control of the party structure? Share your predictions in the comments below!
