2027: Pantami’s Inclusion Will Enrich Gombe Guber Race, Says PDP

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for uploading Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s name to its portal.

Pantami, who holds the traditional title of Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya, was cleared ahead of the 2027 governorship election after INEC’s review found that he met all constitutional and Electoral Act requirements.

In a statement on Sunday, the Gombe PDP described the development as a landmark for democracy, political inclusion and respect for the constitutional right of eligible Nigerians to contest elective offices.

According to the party, Pantami’s clearance will enrich Gombe’s political landscape, deepen competition and give voters a wider opportunity to make informed choices.

The party also thanked supporters who offered prayers, advice and support while the clearance process lasted.

It called on political actors in the state to embrace issue-based campaigns and peaceful engagement, and urged INEC to remain impartial and committed to credible elections.

“The people of Gombe State deserve a credible electoral process in which their votes count and their collective aspirations are respected,” the party said.

Meanwhile, the PDP in Gombe has dismissed claims that its Chairmen in Kwami and Nafada Local Government Areas have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party was reacting to an allegation made by an APC chieftain during the inauguration of the APC State Campaign Council at the International Conference Centre, Gombe.

In a statement, the PDP said the claim is false, stressing that the two chairmen remain bonafide members of the party and have never indicated interest in joining the APC.

“It is unfortunate that this false information came from a high-level personality who held a national position under the platform of the PDP in an attempt to impress his paymasters in the APC,” the party said.

The PDP warned the ruling APC to desist from spreading falsehood about its members and officials, accusing it of using propaganda to attract public sympathy.