A Federal High Court in Gombe orders the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct a fresh governorship primary election after nullifying Prof. Isa Ali Pantami’s emergence as the party’s candidate. The ruling is made on a suit challenging Pantami’s selection as the PDP governorship standard-bearer in the state.
The court, presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, considers arguments brought by challenger Usman Aliyu Garry, who contests that the required primary election was not properly conducted before Pantami was announced. According to the reports, Garry argues Pantami was declared the “sole candidate” on June 26, 2026.
The outlets also describe Pantami’s political transition from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. They say he joined the PDP after his bid for the APC governorship ticket did not result in him becoming the consensus candidate, following the APC’s choice of Jamilu Gwamna. Reports further state that Pantami later secured the PDP ticket through voice affirmation during a governorship primary held in May, but the court’s decision directs the PDP to repeat the process in line with party rules and electoral laws.
