Ruling party, opposition exchange verbal blows regarding minister's party affiliation

A controversy has surfaced in Gombe State surrounding the party affiliation of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, with the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party presenting conflicting claims regarding his membership.

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The dispute arose after Pantami emerged as the PDP's governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, following the APC primary election which produced Jamilu Gwamna as its candidate.

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The Gombe State chapter of the PDP maintains that Pantami has officially resigned from the APC and is now a legitimate member of the opposition party, having fulfilled the necessary requirements.

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In contrast, the APC insists that Pantami remains a member of the party, citing that due process was not adhered to in his resignation.

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Addressing journalists in Gombe on Tuesday, APC Publicity Secretary Moses Kyari stated that the party's executive committee in Pantami Ward had not received or deliberated on any resignation letter supposedly submitted by Pantami.

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Kyari noted that 25 out of 27 members of the ward executive committee publicly declared that they had neither seen nor discussed any resignation letter allegedly submitted by Professor Ali Isa Pantami, deeming 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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Kyari added that the ward executive committee members had not been provided with a copy of the aforementioned letter, despite repeated requests.

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He argued that under the APC Constitution, Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines, and the Electoral Act, Pantami remains an APC member until the prescribed procedures are completed and verified.

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

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Kyari also dismissed claims allegedly made by Pantami during a televised interview on TVC that his defection to the PDP and governorship ambition had the backing of President Bola Tinubu.

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The APC rejected this assertion, citing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a dedicated leader of the APC and has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the party, making it unlikely that he would endorse activities contrary to the party's interests and unity.

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Kyari called on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify the issue to prevent misinformation.

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The APC requested that the national leadership and the Presidency publicly dispel these claims to prevent misinformation and avoid misleading the public.

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In response, the PDP dismissed the APC's position, insisting that Pantami had fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements for membership of the opposition party.

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The PDP stated that it possesses documentary evidence confirming Pantami's resignation from the APC, with the party's state Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Dukku, signing the statement.

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The PDP affirmed that it has all relevant documents confirming Pantami's resignation from his former party, acknowledged by his then ward chairman.

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According to the PDP, the APC chairman in Pantami Ward personally acknowledged Pantami's resignation letter on May 19, 2026, and subsequently posted it on social media.

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The opposition party described the APC's repeated press briefings on the matter as unnecessary, marking the third time the APC had organised a press conference on the same issue.

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The PDP urged the ruling party to focus on preparations for the forthcoming elections rather than engaging in distractions.

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The party argued that the Constitution and the Electoral Act guarantee freedom of association, and if the APC lacks confidence in its candidate, it should address its internal concerns.

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The PDP noted that the APC still has the opportunity to make decisions regarding its candidature within the electoral process if it believes its candidate cannot effectively compete against Pantami.

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The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to issue-based campaigns and providing credible leadership to the people of Gombe State ahead of the elections.

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The party remains dedicated to issue-based campaigns and to providing the people of Gombe State with credible leadership, development, and good governance, according to the statement.