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The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has rejected the choice of Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for governor in Gombe State, insisting that the process violated the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored by Politics Digest, the ex-minister says a true consensus does not sideline stakeholders.
“Firstly and frankly, what happened in Gombe was not a consensus. A true consensus means every stakeholder agrees with the decision. In Gombe, the rules weren’t followed,” he said.
Pantami explained that a proper consensus model requires voluntary agreement by all aspirants, inclusive representation, and adherence to legal procedures.
“In Gombe, all three were violated. The most glaring violation is the legal one. What happened breached Section 84(1) and Section 87(1) of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026. Some people simply sat down and picked whoever was convenient for them,” he stated.
The former minister recounted difficulties in attending hurriedly rescheduled party meetings, noting that he eventually learned of the decision through public announcements.
“No one informed me, not even by phone. Like everyone else, I heard the announcement on air,” he stated, adding that he appreciated assurances from President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, that direct primaries would be conducted if consensus failed.
He stressed that the process resembled a coronation rather than consensus as only one of three aspirants who expressed interest was present when the decision was taken.
“Three expression-of-interest forms for the governorship were bought at ₦10 million each, yet only one candidate was present when the decision was made. By law, only those who have expressed interest are allowed at the consensus table,” he argued.
On preparations for the next stage, Pantami said, “We said we would go for direct primaries. The President has agreed to it, the national party has agreed, and even the state party has agreed. We are only insisting that justice must be done.”
Responding to suggestions that he should withdraw as an Islamic cleric for peace, Pantami maintained that challenging injustice is a noble course.
“We are in a democracy, and a core principle of democracy is to fight injustice. Being quiet about injustice over time is what has led to our nation’s underdevelopment.”
On speculation about about possible defection to other political parties to purse his governorship ambition Pantami said, “We have about three plans, but we’re not ready to disclose them yet. What’s important is that we remain members of the All Progressives Congress, APC.”
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