The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially presented a Certificate of Return to Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, confirming him as the party's recognised governorship candidate for Gombe State in the 2027 general elections. The presentation took place during the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the inauguration of the party's 2026 to 2030 NEC members at the party's national headquarters in Abuja.
Why PDP Recognised Pantami
According to the PDP, the certificate was issued to candidates whose nominations had fulfilled all legal and electoral requirements and had been recognised and published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as reported by Daily Trust. The meeting was chaired by PDP National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, whose leadership the party said had been affirmed by the Supreme Court and recognised by INEC.
PDP officials stated that the move reinforces the party's preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, with Pantami now confirmed to lead its campaign for the state's top office.
Pantami's Defection and Primary Victory
Earlier reports indicated that the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, secured the PDP governorship ticket after formally joining the party and emerging as its flag bearer through a voice affirmation primary. Pantami was presented as the sole aspirant during the PDP primary election held on Tuesday, May 26, in Gombe, where party officials confirmed his emergence without a contested vote.
As reported by Daily Trust, the election panel chairman, Hon. Gregory Yenlong, declared him the party’s candidate following the affirmation process by delegates. Speaking after his nomination, Pantami said his decision to contest the governorship was driven by a desire to serve the people of Gombe State. He pledged that his administration, if elected in 2027, would be guided by fairness and justice.
Outlook for 2027 Election
Pantami now prepares to face Jamilu Gwamna, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what is expected to be a closely watched contest. In related developments, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje lost his bid to secure the APC senatorial ticket for Gombe Central ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former governor was defeated in a direct primary election by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed, who enjoyed the backing of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Additionally, the APC released the names of House of Representatives aspirants disqualified from participating in its screening process ahead of the 2027 elections. The affected aspirants are from Ondo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi, and Rivers states, as disclosed in a statement by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
