By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Gombe State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has maintained that its governorship candidate, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, is no longer a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the PDP State Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Ahmad, the party dismissed claims by the APC that Pantami still belongs to the ruling party.
The PDP’s reaction followed comments by the APC Publicity Secretary in Gombe State, Moses Kyari, who questioned whether Pantami had formally resigned from the APC before securing the PDP governorship ticket.
According to the PDP, Pantami fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements for membership of the party. It stated that it possesses documents confirming his resignation from the APC and his admission into the PDP.
The party further claimed that the APC chairman in Pantami’s ward personally acknowledged the resignation letter on May 19, 2026. It added that the letter was later shared on social media and widely circulated.
The PDP described the APC’s position as misleading and urged members of the public to disregard claims that Pantami remains a member of the ruling party. The opposition party argued that the issue had already been settled and accused the APC of repeatedly raising the same matter despite available evidence.
The PDP also stressed that the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act guarantee citizens the freedom to join any political party of their choice.
The party advised the APC to focus on preparations for the forthcoming general elections instead of what it called unnecessary distractions. It added that if the ruling party had concerns about its candidate, it should address them internally.
Reaffirming its commitment to the election, the PDP said it would continue to pursue issue-based campaigns and provide credible leadership, development, and good governance to the people of Gombe State.