Crisis looms in Gombe APC as Pantamiyya movement opposes consensus candidate

A support group loyal to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has rejected the adoption of a consensus gubernatorial candidate by the All Progressives Congress in Gombe State, describing the move as undemocratic and inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The group was reacting to the announcement by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya that Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna had been adopted as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed on behalf of members of the Pantamiyya Movement, the group condemned what it described as a “coronation” disguised as consensus, insisting that the process failed to comply with established legal and party guidelines.

According to the group, a valid consensus arrangement requires the explicit written consent of all cleared aspirants, stressing that any process that excludes aspirants who have purchased or submitted nomination forms cannot be legally sustained.

“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” the statement noted.

The group further argued that the Electoral Act 2026 recognises only two modes of candidate selection—consensus and direct primaries—adding that consensus can only stand where all aspirants voluntarily step down. In the absence of such agreement, it said the party is obligated to conduct direct primaries.

Describing the development as a breach of both legal provisions and internal party directives, the group maintained that the decision runs contrary to democratic principles and undermines fairness within the party.

It also referenced the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on due process, warning that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

While urging supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, the group disclosed that it is preparing for a possible direct primary election and that its legal team is already reviewing the situation with a view to challenging the process.

The development signals rising tension within the APC in Gombe State, as internal disagreements over candidate selection methods threaten to reshape the party’s build-up to the 2027 general elections.

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