Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has officially submitted his governorship nomination form to the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, signaling his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.
Pantami’s decision comes despite the recent consensus arrangement announced by the APC leadership in Gombe State, which endorsed Jamilu Gwamna as the party’s consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 polls.
The development is expected to reshape the political landscape within the ruling party in Gombe, as Pantami’s entry into the race indicates that not all stakeholders may be aligned with the consensus decision reached by party leaders in the state.
Political observers believe Pantami’s popularity, political influence, and national profile could spark fresh debates within the APC over the selection process for the governorship ticket. His supporters have continued to push for his candidacy, arguing that the former minister possesses the experience and leadership capacity needed to govern the state.
The submission of the nomination form at the APC national secretariat in Abuja is being viewed as a strong indication that Pantami is prepared to participate fully in the party’s primary election, regardless of the earlier consensus arrangement.
Meanwhile, party officials in Gombe State are yet to issue an official reaction to Pantami’s move, while political analysts predict that the contest could intensify internal negotiations and alignments within the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The APC in Gombe had earlier unveiled Gwamna as its preferred consensus candidate in what party leaders described as an effort to maintain unity and avoid internal divisions before the election season. However, Pantami’s emergence may now test the strength and acceptance of that arrangement among party members and supporters across the state.
