Pantami Rejects APC Gombe Consensus Arrangement

Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, a former minister, expressed strong opposition to the consensus arrangement for the APC governorship candidacy in Gombe State, led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Pantami stated that the process failed to meet the criteria for a valid consensus as outlined in the 2026 Electoral Act.

He highlighted that the arrangement lacked agreement from all involved parties and did not comply with legal provisions. Pantami alleged that the process was flawed, citing irregularities such as insufficient notice for meetings and a lack of transparency.

He called for direct primaries to better reflect grassroots support and to address injustices within the party. Pantami reiterated his readiness to participate in direct primaries and urged the APC leadership, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure fairness in the electoral process, warning against any injustices that could undermine the party's integrity.