Gombe APC reaffirms Pantami's membership status within the party

The Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has reaffirmed that Professor Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, remains a member of the party, citing that proper procedures were not adhered to regarding his alleged resignation.

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This development comes after Pantami emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Gombe State, following the APC primary that produced Jamilu Gwamna.

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At a press conference held on Tuesday in Gombe, Moses Kyari, the party's Publicity Secretary, stated that the APC executive committee in Pantami's Ward had previously clarified that it did not receive or discuss any resignation letter supposedly submitted by the former minister.

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Kyari noted that 25 out of the 27 members of the ward executive maintained that the claim of Pantami's resignation was fabricated without the knowledge or approval of the Ward Executive Committee.

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He recalled that the 25 members of the Ward Executive Committee publicly declared that they neither saw nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by Professor Ali Isa Pantami, and deemed the claim a fabrication.

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According to Kyari, the Ward Chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, revealed that the alleged resignation letter was received on May 23, 2026, despite being dated May 19, and was delivered by one Abba Pantami.

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Despite repeated requests, Kyari stated that members of the Ward Executive Committee had not been provided with a copy of the said letter.

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He argued that under the provisions of the APC Constitution, INEC guidelines, and the Electoral Act, Pantami remains an APC member until the appropriate procedures are duly completed and verified.

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Kyari stated that it is the party's position that Professor Ali Isa Pantami remains a member of the APC until all due processes are properly followed and verified.

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The APC spokesperson also dismissed claims allegedly made by Pantami during a televised interview on TVC that his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party and his governorship ambition had the blessing of President Bola Tinubu.

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Kyari categorically rejected this assertion, noting that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a committed leader of the APC and has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the party.

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He found it difficult to believe that the President would endorse activities that are contrary to the interests and unity of the APC.

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Kyari highlighted the achievements of the APC administration in Gombe State under Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, citing improvements in governance, infrastructure, peace, and political stability.

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The governor has strengthened the party's presence across the state, with overwhelming representation at the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and local government levels, according to Kyari.

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Kyari stated that the party found no justification for claims suggesting that President Tinubu had endorsed Pantami's political ambitions outside the APC.

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Given the achievements and the continued growth of the APC in Gombe State, the party found no basis for the claims being circulated regarding any endorsement of Professor Pantami's political ambitions outside the party.

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Kyari called on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly address the issue to avoid misleading the public.

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The party's Publicity Secretary urged the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify and dispel these claims in order to prevent misinformation and avoid misleading the people.

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Kyari reaffirmed the party's commitment to transparency and unity.