The Federal High Court sitting in Gombe has nullified the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.
Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed delivered the judgment on Thursday following a pre-election suit filed by PDP governorship aspirant Usman Aliyu Garry.
The court ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primary in accordance with the party’s guidelines and applicable electoral requirements. It also directed Pantami to stop presenting himself as the party’s governorship candidate.
Challenge to Pantami’s Emergence
Garry had challenged the process through which Pantami emerged as the PDP candidate, arguing that the party failed to conduct a valid governorship primary.
Pantami had previously withdrawn from the APC governorship contest before moving to the PDP, where he emerged through a voice affirmation during the party’s governorship process.
The process subsequently became the subject of legal challenges from within the party.
Court Orders New Primary
In its ruling, the Federal High Court ordered the PDP to organise another governorship primary while complying with its own rules and relevant electoral laws.
The judgment effectively removes Pantami’s current status as the PDP’s candidate pending the outcome of a fresh nomination process.
The development means the party must now undertake another process to determine its candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
PDP Responds
The PDP has indicated that it will comply with the court order and conduct a fresh primary.
The decision is likely to reopen the party’s governorship contest and could create another round of political activity among aspirants seeking the ticket.
The legal process also demonstrates the significance of internal party procedures in determining the validity of candidates’ nominations ahead of elections.