Pantami’s reinstatement on INEC list excites supporters

The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami

Some supporters of a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, in Gombe State on Thursday night expressed excitement after the Independent National Electoral Commission restored his name to the list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election.

The supporters, Amina Mohammed, Sati Yuhana and Salome Musa, in an interview with our correspondent lauded the commission’s decision, describing it as an encouraging development for Pantami’s governorship ambition under the Peoples Democratic Party.

They expressed optimism that the development would strengthen his political standing ahead of the election, insisting that he had the support and popularity required to win the governorship poll.

Mohammed, who welcomed the decision, said Pantami’s reinstatement had renewed the confidence of his supporters in the electoral process.

“We are excited that INEC has restored Professor Pantami’s name to the list. This is good news for us and everyone who believes in his governorship ambition.

“We have always believed in his capacity to lead Gombe State, and this development has given us more reasons to remain hopeful. We are confident that he will win the election if given the opportunity to contest,” she said.

Similarly, Yuhana described the development as a welcome relief for Pantami’s supporters, adding that they were enthusiastic about his chances in the 2027 governorship election.

“Pantami has a strong following in Gombe State, and we believe that the people are ready for the change he represents. The restoration of his name is encouraging, and we are hopeful that the legal issues surrounding his candidacy will be resolved in his favour.

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“We are confident that he will emerge victorious at the polls because we believe in his leadership qualities and vision for the state,” Yuhana said.

Musa also applauded INEC’s decision, describing it as a positive step that had rekindled the hopes of supporters who had been concerned about the former minister’s omission from the candidates’ list.

“We received the news with great joy. We thank INEC for restoring his name, and we hope that all outstanding legal issues will be resolved so that he can fully pursue his governorship ambition.

“We believe Pantami has what it takes to win the election. His supporters are enthusiastic, and we are looking forward to the 2027 poll with confidence,” she said.

Pantami’s name was initially omitted from INEC’s list of candidates amid disputes surrounding the PDP governorship primary and questions over compliance with electoral requirements.

The commission’s earlier omission of some governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates reportedly followed concerns about compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 requiring political parties to submit their membership registers.

Political parties subsequently submitted petitions challenging the omissions, with sources indicating that more than 30 petitions had been successful, although INEC was yet to release the final figures.

Pantami’s reinstatement, however, remains subject to the outcome of pending court cases, leaving the final determination of the PDP governorship candidacy in Gombe State dependent on the resolution of the legal disputes.