- Pantami had previously dismissed the arrangement as unacceptable and pledged to oppose it strongly
- The former minister has remained outspoken against reports of a consensus arrangement in Gombe State
- Pantami added that direct primaries could strengthen the APC if they are conducted independently
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress against conducting a flawed governorship primary in Gombe State, warning that the outcome could affect both the party’s unity and public trust in the country’s democracy.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Pantami stated that the APC must organise a transparent and credible primary election if it intends to maintain the confidence of party members and voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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He made the remarks on Saturday after participating in the APC governorship aspirants’ screening exercise held at the Kaduna State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
The former minister has remained outspoken against reports of a consensus arrangement in Gombe State, following the alleged endorsement of Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna as the preferred candidate of the party.
Pantami had previously dismissed the arrangement as unacceptable and pledged to oppose it strongly.
Speaking with journalists after the screening, he said the decision of the APC national leadership to allow all aspirants participate in the exercise reflected an opportunity for the party to demonstrate fairness and equal treatment.
According to him, internal democracy is essential for the survival and credibility of political parties, stressing that party processes must not only be fair but must also appear fair to members and the wider public.
Pantami added that direct primaries could strengthen the APC if they are conducted independently and free from manipulation.
He said those handling the process must remain neutral to guarantee credibility and trust among aspirants and party supporters.
The former minister also praised the screening exercise, describing it as professional, transparent and encouraging.
Pantami further argued that his governorship ambition is backed by what he called a proven track record in public office rather than campaign rhetoric.
According to him, independent assessments by organisations including KPMG and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ranked him among the best-performing ministers during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who is also seeking the APC governorship ticket in Bauchi State, described his own screening process as smooth and straightforward.
Tuggar noted that his long-standing involvement in the APC and its legacy parties made the exercise less complicated for him.
He, however, expressed doubts over the possibility of adopting a consensus candidate in Bauchi State, citing the large number of aspirants contesting for the ticket.
The former minister also urged the APC to prioritise grassroots politicians, insisting that the party’s strength depends largely on committed members at the local level.
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