PANTAMI, MAILANTARKI, GARRY ENTER FRESH PDP TICKET BATTLE

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki and Usman Aliyu Garry are set for a fresh contest for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 election.

The fresh primary follows a Federal High Court judgment in Gombe which nullified the earlier process that produced Pantami as the party’s candidate and ordered the PDP to conduct another governorship primary within 30 days.

Pantami had emerged as the PDP candidate through a voice affirmation during the party’s May 2026 governorship primary. However, Garry and Mailantarki challenged the process, arguing that it did not comply with the party’s guidelines and applicable electoral requirements.

In its judgment, the court directed the PDP to conduct a fresh primary. However, it declined a separate request seeking Pantami’s removal from the party over allegations concerning his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time.

The Gombe PDP subsequently cleared Pantami, Mailantarki and Garry to participate in the fresh contest and fixed Tuesday, September 29, 2026, for the repeat primary. Eligible party members have been directed to participate in the exercise.

The fresh contest has also been accompanied by further legal developments. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs have reportedly filed an appeal challenging the aspect of the judgment that allows Pantami to participate and have sought a stay of execution. The effect of those proceedings on the scheduled primary remains a matter for the courts.

The outcome of the fresh exercise will determine who emerges as the PDP’s candidate for the Gombe State governorship election, subject to any further legal developments.