Abdulkadir Saleh, a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, has strongly rejected the emergence of former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. Saleh, who participated in the party’s nomination process, accused the PDP leadership of unfairness and lack of transparency in selecting Pantami, who he claims did not meet the party’s eligibility criteria. The primary election, initially scheduled for Sunday, was abruptly postponed to Tuesday, leaving aspirants in the dark about the changes and the eventual outcome.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Gombe, Saleh expressed shock and dismay at the announcement of Pantami’s victory. He stated that he and other aspirants had purchased nomination forms and followed all the procedures laid out by the party. “While we were waiting for the primary election to be conducted last Sunday, it was suddenly announced that it was moved to Tuesday,” Saleh said. “Without any explanation from the party leadership, we woke up this morning to the news that Isa Pantami had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate.”
Saleh raised serious concerns about Pantami’s eligibility, noting that the former minister had already contested in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary held on May 21, 2026. According to Saleh, this prior participation in a rival party’s primary may disqualify Pantami under PDP’s internal rules. He emphasized that the process lacked fairness and due process, and he condemned what he described as an injustice against him and other candidates who invested time and resources into the race.
In response, Saleh confirmed that his legal team is already working on the matter and will pursue legal redress through the appropriate channels. He stressed that the outcome of the primary election should not be accepted without proper scrutiny and adherence to party regulations. “I condemn in the strongest terms what I consider an injustice against me and other aspirants,” he stated firmly.
Pantami reportedly emerged as the PDP governorship candidate through voice affirmation during the party’s primary election held on Tuesday. The method of selection has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether it followed due process and whether all aspirants had a fair opportunity to present their cases. As the 2027 gubernatorial race approaches, the controversy may intensify, especially if legal challenges are formally filed.
This development could have significant implications for the PDP’s internal dynamics in Gombe State and may affect voter confidence in the party’s nomination process. The outcome of any legal action taken by Saleh and other aspirants will likely shape the political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections.
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