The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has scheduled Tuesday, September 29, for a fresh governorship primary election, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified its previous nomination exercise.
The court decision set aside the earlier primary that produced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, as the party’s candidate.
However, party insiders indicate that Pantami remains the frontrunner to secure the ticket once again, bolstered by a strong coalition of influential party chieftains, including former Gombe State Governor Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo.
Pantami’s path to the PDP ticket began in May 2026, when he withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race and defected to the PDP following high-level consultations with party leaders aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
While his initial emergence through that political realignment process drew legal challenges from aggrieved contenders, the court’s judgment affirmed his party membership while directing the PDP to repeat the exercise to ensure procedural compliance.
The upcoming primary will feature a three-way contest among the aspirants cleared to participate: Professor Isa Ali Pantami, former federal lawmaker Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, and Usman Aliyu Garry, the aspirant who instituted the legal challenge that led to the fresh vote.
The party has assured members that all necessary arrangements are in place to deliver a transparent and conclusive process in line with judicial directives and internal guidelines.