A fresh political row has erupted in Gombe State over the party affiliation of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, following conflicting claims by the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
The controversy followed Pantami’s emergence as a governorship contender under the PDP, with the APC insisting that he remains a member of the ruling party until his alleged resignation is properly processed in line with the party’s constitution and relevant electoral procedures.
Speaking at a press conference in Gombe on Tuesday, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Moses Bolde, accused the PDP and Pantami’s camp of spreading misinformation over the former minister’s political status.
Bolde said the APC found it necessary to respond to what he described as lingering false claims that Pantami had validly resigned from the party.
According to him, 25 of the 27 members of the APC Executive Committee in Pantami Ward had earlier distanced themselves from reports of the former minister’s resignation, insisting that they neither received nor deliberated on any resignation letter.
He said members of the ward executive committee had consistently maintained that the alleged resignation was processed without their knowledge or approval.
Bolde explained that the ward chairman, Bala Galda, reportedly acknowledged receiving a letter said to have been submitted on Pantami’s behalf on May 23. He, however, said the document was dated May 19 and was allegedly delivered by an individual identified as Abba Pantami.
“Despite repeated requests by members of the ward executive committee, a copy of the purported resignation letter has not been made available for scrutiny,” Bolde said.
The APC spokesman argued that, based on the provisions of the APC constitution, guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Electoral Act, Pantami remains a member of the APC until all prescribed procedures for resignation are completed and verified.
Bolde also rejected claims allegedly made by Pantami during a television interview that his move to the PDP and governorship ambition enjoyed the blessing of President Bola Tinubu.
“We categorically reject this assertion. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a committed leader of the APC who has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the party and its ideals,” he said.
“It is difficult to believe that the President would endorse activities that run contrary to the interests, unity and growth of the APC.”
He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to transparency, unity and democratic principles, assuring supporters that the party would continue to protect its integrity and consolidate its achievements in Gombe State.
In a swift reaction, the PDP dismissed the APC’s position as unfounded, insisting that Pantami formally resigned from the ruling party and has fulfilled all requirements for membership of the opposition party.
Speaking at a separate press conference in Gombe, the PDP Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Dukku, said documentary evidence in the party’s possession showed that Pantami lawfully exited the APC before joining the PDP.
Dukku described the APC’s claim as laughable, saying it reflected a misunderstanding of the Electoral Act and constitutional provisions governing political party membership.
“The claim that Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami remains a member of the APC is not only laughable but also demonstrates ignorance of the Electoral Law and our party’s constitution,” he said.
According to him, the chairman of the APC in Pantami Ward personally acknowledged receipt of Pantami’s resignation letter on May 19, adding that the acknowledgement later circulated widely on social media.
The PDP urged APC members, supporters and the general public to disregard what it described as misleading narratives surrounding the former minister’s political status.
“We call on the public to ignore these claims. The facts are clear, documented and verifiable. Professor Pantami is a bona fide member of the PDP,” Dukku stated.
The opposition party also criticised the APC for repeatedly raising the issue despite what it described as clear evidence that Pantami had left the ruling party.
Dukku said the latest briefing was the third time the APC had publicly addressed the matter, despite documents allegedly confirming the former minister’s resignation.
He argued that rather than focusing on Pantami’s political future, the APC should concentrate on preparing for the forthcoming governorship election.
“It is surprising that the APC continues to organise press conferences on a matter that has already been settled. They should focus on the election and allow the people of Gombe State to decide their future,” he said.
The PDP further suggested that the APC’s repeated comments on Pantami’s defection may be linked to concerns over the opposition candidate’s growing popularity.
“If the APC lacks confidence in its candidate, it should address its internal challenges instead of insisting that Professor Pantami must remain in its party,” Dukku added.
He maintained that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of association, stressing that every Nigerian has the right to join or leave a political party without interference.
According to him, Pantami exercised that constitutional right by resigning from the APC and aligning with the PDP.
Dukku said the PDP would remain focused on issue-based campaigns and would present its vision for governance, economic development and improved public service delivery in Gombe State.
“Our focus remains on providing credible leadership and practical solutions to the challenges facing the people of Gombe State. We are committed to a campaign based on issues, development and good governance,” he said.
The exchange marks the latest sign of rising political tension in Gombe State as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next governorship election, where Pantami is expected to be one of the most closely watched contenders.
The post “Pantami Is A Bona Fide PDP Member” — PDP, APC Clash Over Ex-Minister’s Party Status As Gombe Governorship Race Heats Up appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
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