Pantami Party Status Disputed as APC and PDP Trade Claims

A dispute over Professor Isa Pantami's party membership has erupted between the All Progressives Congress and the People's Democratic Party in Gombe State, with each faction making opposing claims about his current political status. Pantami, a former minister, recently emerged as a governorship candidate for the PDP after previously being associated with the APC, triggering the controversy.

The Gombe State APC chapter, through its public relations officer Mose Kyari and spokesperson Jamilu Gwamna, maintains that Pantami remains a party member. The party states it has neither received nor discussed any formal resignation letter from the former minister.

APC officials argue that proper procedures under party and electoral law have not been followed, and that Pantami cannot be considered to have left the party without documented resignation processed by the ward executive committee. The Gombe PDP responded by asserting that Pantami is a legitimate member of their party.

In a statement attributed to party spokesperson Abdulkadir Ahmad, the PDP dismissed the APC's claims as without merit, describing them as inconsistent with electoral law and party constitution provisions. The PDP's position is that Pantami has fulfilled whatever obligations were necessary regarding his previous party affiliation.

Both parties invoked formal procedures and constitutional requirements to support their positions. The APC emphasized that due process governs membership changes and cited its constitution alongside the Electoral Act.

The dispute centres on whether Pantami's transition to the PDP candidacy constitutes a valid departure from the APC without explicit written documentation acknowledged by party leadership at the ward level.