Court Nullifies Pantami’s PDP Governorship Ticket, Orders Fresh Primary in Gombe

The Federal High Court in Gombe has nullified the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Gombe State.

Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, who delivered the judgment, ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primary within 30 days, in accordance with the party’s guidelines and applicable electoral laws.

The ruling followed separate suits filed by Khamisu Mailantarki and Usman Aliyu Garry, who challenged the process through which Pantami emerged as the party’s candidate.

The plaintiffs argued that the PDP failed to conduct a valid primary election before announcing Pantami as its candidate. They also alleged that some aspirants who had been screened and cleared to participate in the contest were excluded from the process.

In her judgment, Justice Mohammed held that the process that produced Pantami did not comply with the PDP’s established procedures and relevant electoral laws.

Pantami emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate through a voice affirmation during the party’s primary in May 2026, following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Before joining the PDP, Pantami had sought the APC governorship ticket but later withdrew from the race amid allegations of irregularities in the party’s nomination process. The court’s latest decision means the PDP must conduct a fresh primary within the 30-day period stipulated in the judgment.