The fragile peace within the Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may have suffered a major setback as former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, rejected the party’s adoption of Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.

In a move that signals a looming legal and political showdown, Pantami described the selection process, spearheaded by the state leadership under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as a “coronation” that lacks democratic legitimacy.

Speaking through his primary support group, the Pantamiyya Movement, the former Minister argued that the consensus arrangement was a flagrant violation of the Electoral Act 2026.

Pantami pointed out that the law provides strict guidelines for consensus, which were allegedly ignored by the state executive.

He said: “The process was a coronation rather than a democratic exercise. The move violates the Electoral Act 2026, which clearly requires all cleared aspirants to provide written consent before a consensus can be deemed valid. Since we have not stepped down in writing, the party is legally mandated to conduct a direct primary.”

Pantami further lamented the lack of inclusivity in the decision-making process, claiming that key stakeholders and aspirants were sidelined.

“I was in Abuja when I received news of this purported decision. The process failed to involve all aspirants who had purchased nomination forms. You cannot decide the fate of the party behind the backs of those who are invested in its success.”

Pantami is not alone in his defiance. The “consensus” candidacy of Jamilu Gwamna has faced a wall of opposition from other heavyweights in the Gombe APC.

Sources indicate that former governor in the state, Senator Danjuma Goje and Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali have also voiced their rejection of the outcome, creating a formidable bloc against the Governor’s preferred choice.

The dissenting group argues that imposing a candidate under the guise of “unity” will only lead to further fragmentation of the party ahead of the general elections.

In response to the growing backlash, the Gombe State APC leadership maintained that the selection of Gwamna was the result of “wide-ranging consultations” designed to prevent a divisive primary.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has consistently argued that consensus is the most viable path to maintaining the party’s hold on the state. However, with Pantami and other giants demanding a direct primary, the party’s “unity” strategy appears to be under threat.

While signalling that a legal challenge may be on the horizon if the party fails to rescind the decision, Pantami has called on his followers to maintain the peace.

“I urge all my supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. We are preparing for the possibility of direct primaries where the will of the people, not a few individuals, will prevail,” he said. (The Nation)