Discontent Among PDP Gubernatorial Aspirants in Gombe State
A number of gubernatorial candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State are expressing their discontent over the recent emergence of Isa Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, as the party’s gubernatorial candidate. They argue that the selection process failed to adhere to proper protocols.
Frustrated candidates voiced their concerns during separate interviews, alleging that party leaders excluded those who had purchased nomination forms and undergone formal vetting from the competitive primary process.
Abdulkadir Saleh, one of the applicants, stated that he complied with all the party’s requirements, only to discover that the selection procedure had been altered. “I bought the form, completed all necessary clearances, and even traveled to Abuja for testing,” he remarked, expressing disbelief over the primary’s management.
Saleh detailed the unexpected nature of the primaries’ rescheduling, saying, “Initially slated for Sunday, we were shocked to learn they had been moved to Tuesday due to alleged administrative issues. However, we noticed that other states managed to conduct their primaries without delays.” He continued, “We were waiting for further instructions, and then out of nowhere, we heard that someone had been declared the winner of an unopposed primary.”
Vowing to legally contest the results, Saleh asserted, “I will take all necessary legal actions to defend my rights. I have diligently followed the prescribed processes and will not accept this situation.” His sentiments were echoed by fellow aspirant Monica Carteaux, who criticized the lack of official communication regarding Pantami’s candidacy. “We should not learn about such developments through social media,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication within the party.
Carteaux, along with other candidates, questioned the appropriateness of Pantami’s candidacy, particularly since he had only recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC). She noted, “Pantami’s switch occurred just two days ago. His involvement in the APC gubernatorial race is questionable; he cannot simply change parties without the proper formalities.” Despite her frustrations, she expressed a desire for the party leadership to address these concerns through constructive dialogue.
Aspirant Hamis Ahmed Maylantarqi characterized the situation as unfortunate, urging all candidates to adhere to established constitutional and electoral guidelines. “All of us have been diligent in our preparations, purchasing forms and undergoing thorough vetting. The abrupt rescheduling of the primary from the 24th to the 26th came as a surprise,” he stated. While acknowledging the arrival of Pantami into the PDP, Maylantarqi indicated that the timing of his entry was concerning.
In response to the grievances, Abdulkadir Ahmad, the Gombe State PDP Publicity Secretary, defended Pantami’s nomination, asserting that he followed all required procedures. “Professor Isa’s actions were legitimate. He registered as a party member, purchased a nomination form, and passed formal examination in Abuja,” Ahmad emphasized. Furthermore, he clarified that Pantami’s withdrawal from the APC campaign had been publicly announced prior to the primaries.
However, Ahmad admitted there was ambiguity regarding the formal resignation of Pantami from the APC before his transition to the PDP. “While I lack confirmation of his formal departure from the APC, I can affirm that he officially registered with the PDP and obtained the nomination form. Any official records of his resignation would be better known by those responsible for that aspect,” he explained. He also noted that any dissatisfied candidates are welcome to pursue legal recourse, underscoring everyone’s right to seek justice if they feel aggrieved.
Pantami’s recent withdrawal from the APC primaries was attributed to allegations of fraud. Following this, he transitioned to the PDP, where he received endorsement from the party’s Gombe electoral committee chairman, Gregory Yenron.
