'PDP Transformed Gombe' – Pantami Defends Defection to Opposition Party

‘PDP Transformed Gombe’ – Pantami Defends Defection
Former minister praised PDP’s development record during 16 years in Gombe.
Pantami promised poverty reduction, education and industrialisation if elected.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Isa Pantami, has defended his decision to accept the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship ticket in Gombe State despite his previous criticism of the party.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Pantami, who had in the past openly criticised PDP administrations at both the federal and state levels, said his decision was influenced by what he described as the party’s developmental achievements in Gombe State.

According to the former minister, the state witnessed significant transformation during the 16 years the PDP governed Gombe between 2003 and 2019.

“The PDP ruled in Gombe for 16 years from 2003 to 2019, and it transformed the state from a rural community to urban settlements, and most of the major achievements in the state were under the PDP,” Pantami stated.

Naija News recalls that Pantami emerged as the governorship candidate of a PDP faction reportedly linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

He secured the ticket through a voice vote on Tuesday, only days after defecting from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the opposition PDP.

Pantami’s emergence, however, sparked protests from some PDP aspirants who rejected the process that produced him as the party’s candidate.

The former minister had earlier dumped the APC after rejecting a consensus arrangement reportedly backed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, which produced Jamilu Gwamna as the APC governorship candidate.

‘We Will Build On PDP Legacy’

Speaking after securing the ticket, Pantami said his administration would focus on expanding the developmental projects introduced during previous PDP administrations in the state.

He highlighted higher institutions, healthcare facilities, road infrastructure and other projects established during past PDP governments as examples of the party’s legacy in Gombe.

“With this mandate, we will build on the legacy that has been established earlier, particularly on human development,” he added.

Pantami said his administration would prioritise education, skills development and youth empowerment to improve living standards across the state.

The former minister also raised concerns over the rising poverty level in Gombe State.

Referring to the National Multidimensional Poverty Index, Pantami said the state currently ranks among the poorest in the country and requires urgent intervention.

“As it is today, according to the national multidimensional poverty index, Gombe is the third poorest state, our people are living in abject poverty, we plan to ensure we lift the people out of poverty, using education and skills development, agriculture, and industrialisation through foreign direct investment for the state,” he said.

Pantami promised to attract foreign direct investment, strengthen agriculture and promote industrialisation if elected governor in 2027.

He also pledged to implement skills acquisition programmes for youths as part of efforts to create jobs and reduce poverty in the state.

'PDP Transformed Gombe' – Pantami Defends Defection — ‘PDP Transformed Gombe’ – Pantami Defends Defection

The former minister further promised to introduce welfare programmes for orphans and vulnerable residents across Gombe State as part of his human development agenda.

Pantami’s defection from the APC and emergence as PDP governorship candidate are expected to reshape political alignments in Gombe ahead of the 2027 general election.