The Federal High Court in Gombe State on Thursday, 24 September 2026, declared that former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Ali Pantami had not lawfully emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 governorship election. The court also ordered the party to hold a fresh primary that complies with its internal rules and the applicable legal framework.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed in a suit filed by PDP aspirant Usman Aliyu Garry. Garry alleged that the PDP had failed to conduct a proper primary election in accordance with the party’s guidelines and the electoral laws of Nigeria.
Pantami joined the PDP after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) in early 2026. He was announced as the PDP’s governorship candidate on 26 May through a voice‑affirmation exercise during the party’s May primary. The former minister was later presented with a PDP Certificate of Return in Abuja on 24 June, confirming him as the party’s recognised candidate for the Gombe governorship race.
The court’s ruling invalidates the process that produced Pantami as the PDP candidate and requires the party to organise another primary ahead of the 2027 election. The decision comes at a time when Gombe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, is preparing for a highly contested governorship contest.
Garry’s challenge highlighted concerns over the integrity of the PDP’s internal selection procedures. The court’s directive underscores the importance of adhering to both party guidelines and national electoral regulations in the nomination of candidates for public office.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
