Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has officially emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections. ​
The primary election, held on Tuesday, September 29, at the PDP State Secretariat along Bauchi Road in Gombe, commenced at 10:00 AM following the arrival of electoral officers and delegates from all 11 local government areas of the state. ​
Declaring the results around 4:30 PM, the Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel, Chief Bode Mustapha, announced that Pantami polled 412 out of the 450 accredited votes to secure the party’s ticket, defeating two other contestants.
​Pantami’s victory follows his defecting to the opposition PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after internal political realignments. ​Speaking shortly after his declaration, the Chairman of the Gombe State PDP chapter, Hon. Abban Yaro, praised the conduct of the delegates and electoral officials, describing the primary as transparent, free, and fair.
​”Today’s outcome represents the collective resolve of our party members to reclaim Gombe State in 2027,” Yaro stated. “Prof. Pantami brings administrative competence, academic excellence, and widespread support to our platform.”
​In his acceptance speech at 5:15 PM, Prof. Pantami expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party and the delegates for their confidence in him.
​”I accept this nomination with deep humility and a sense of responsibility,” Pantami told the audience. “Our mission is clear: to unite Gombe State, foster economic growth through technological innovation, and provide inclusive governance that leaves no citizen behind.” ​
Responding to the outcome, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, commended the peaceful conduct of the primary in Gombe, noting that the party’s leadership remains committed to providing a strong platform to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
