Court Hears Challenge to Pantami's PDP Candidacy in Gombe

The Federal High Court in Gombe began hearing a legal challenge regarding the nomination of Prof. Isa Pantami as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections. The presiding judge, Justice Amina Aliyu, adjourned the proceedings until July 9 to allow counsel to prepare responses.

The plaintiffs, Khami Mailantarki and Alhaji Hamma Sale Abdulkadir, argue that Pantami's nomination was invalid as he did not purchase the PDP nomination form or participate in the party's screening process. They contend that Pantami pursued the governorship ticket with the All Progressives Congress during the period he was not a member of the PDP and that the party adopted a consensus arrangement without valid primary elections.

Counsel for the plaintiffs, B. Jatau, and representatives for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present, with Ayuba Peter requesting additional time to prepare a defense.