The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has officially explained its decision to suspend two prominent governorship aspirants, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki and Usman Aliyu Garry, following the outcome of the party’s primary election.
The disciplinary action was finalized during an emergency joint meeting involving the PDP State Working Committee alongside executive members from Dawaki and Herwagana wards. Announcing the decision in an official statement, State Publicity Secretary Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku revealed that both Mailantarki and Garry were suspended over gross misconduct and actions capable of sowing division and confusion among party members.
The crisis stems from the rerun primary election where former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, emerged victorious after securing 2,054 votes, while Mailantarki and Garry polled 389 and 112 votes respectively. Following the official result declaration, both aggrieved aspirants publicly rejected Pantami’s victory, questioning his eligibility. The situation reached a boiling point when Mailantarki addressed a press conference, openly dismissing the party’s official results and declaring himself the winner of the contest.
Party leadership emphasized that such public declarations undermine constitutional order and party discipline. Consequently, both Mailantarki and Garry have been suspended for one month and referred to the PDP State Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.
The swift disciplinary crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by the Gombe PDP leadership to enforce internal order as stakeholders prepare for upcoming political contests.
Do you think the PDP’s decision to suspend Pantami’s rivals will restore order or deepen party divisions in Gombe State? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
