Parties clash over Ali Pantami’s political membership in Gombe
A dispute has broken out in Gombe State regarding the political affiliation of Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are making opposing claims about his party membership. The controversy follows Pantami's emergence as the PDP governorship candidate after the APC primary produced Jamilu Gwamna. Both parties are presenting different accounts and documents concerning Pantami's resignation from the APC.
What we know
- The APC claims Ali Pantami is still a member, arguing due process was not followed in his resignation.
- The APC Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, stated that the ward executive committee did not receive or deliberate on any resignation letter, with 25 out of 27 members confirming this.
- The ward chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, said the alleged resignation letter was received on May 23, 2026, though it was dated May 19, 2026, and delivered by Abba Pantami.
- The PDP insists that Pantami is a bona fide member, stating the resignation letter was acknowledged by the APC ward chairman on May 19, 2026, and shared on social media.
- The PDP says it has documentary evidence of Pantami's resignation and urges the APC to focus on the upcoming general election instead of ongoing disputes.
