Gombe APC insists Pantami remains party member

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has maintained that former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Pantami, remains a member of the party, insisting that the proper procedures for his resignation were not followed.

The party made the position known during a press conference held on Tuesday in Gombe. Speaking on behalf of the party, the APC Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, said the ward executive committee where Pantami is registered had earlier stated that it neither received nor discussed any resignation letter allegedly submitted by the former minister.

Pantami recently emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State after participating in the opposition party’s primary election. The APC had earlier produced Jamilu Gwamna as its governorship candidate.

According to Kyari, 25 out of the 27 members of Pantami’s ward executive committee publicly denied knowledge of any resignation letter. He said they described the claim as a fabrication that was neither presented to nor approved by the committee.

Kyari further disclosed that the ward chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, stated that the alleged resignation letter was received on May 23, 2026, although it was dated May 19. He added that the letter was reportedly delivered by one Abba Pantami.

The APC spokesperson noted that members of the ward executive committee had repeatedly requested a copy of the letter but had not received one.

He argued that based on the provisions of the APC Constitution, the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Pantami remains a member of the APC until all required procedures are completed and properly verified.

Kyari also rejected claims allegedly made by Pantami during a television interview that Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his move to the PDP and his governorship ambition.

According to him, Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the APC and would not support activities that could undermine the party’s unity and interests.

The APC spokesman also highlighted what he described as the achievements of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya’s administration, including improvements in infrastructure, governance, peace and political stability across the state.

He called on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify the issue to prevent misinformation and reassure party members and the public. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, unity and due process.