Pantami, Mailantarki, Garry vie for PDP ticket in Gombe

Prof. Isa Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Khamisu Mailantarki, and Usman Garry are contesting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Gombe State for the 2027 election. This contest follows a Federal High Court ruling on September 24, which nullified the May 26 primary that had produced Pantami as the party's candidate.

The court, presided over by Justice Amina Mohammed, ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh primary within 30 days, citing issues with the previous process that violated the party's Constitution and electoral laws. Usman Garry, who filed the suit challenging Pantami's candidacy, argued that the primary was not conducted in accordance with PDP rules.

Prior to joining the PDP, Pantami sought the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress but withdrew when Jamilu Gwamna was named the consensus candidate. Mohammed Kudu, a PDP chieftain, expressed confidence in Pantami's ability to challenge Gwamna, dismissing the other aspirants as lacking the necessary strength.