The Federal High Court in Gombe has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party to conduct a fresh governorship primary in the state, effectively setting aside the process that produced former Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed gave the order on Thursday while ruling on a suit filed by PDP governorship aspirant Usman Aliyu Garry, who challenged the validity of Pantami’s emergence.
Garry had argued that the process, which produced Pantami through voice affirmation in May, did not amount to a valid governorship primary under the PDP’s guidelines and applicable electoral provisions.
Pantami joined the PDP after failing to secure the APC governorship ticket, with the APC eventually settling on Jamilu Gwamna. The former minister was later announced as the PDP’s sole governorship candidate on June 26.
The court, however, directed the PDP to conduct another governorship primary in accordance with its rules and relevant electoral provisions.
The ruling reopens the PDP’s governorship ticket contest in Gombe and requires the party to begin another process to select its candidate for the 2027 election.
Meanwhile, Pantami has held discussions with former Heads of Service and retired Permanent Secretaries from Gombe State over challenges facing the state civil service and possible reforms.
The retired senior officials raised concerns about alleged deviations from established procedures in appointments and promotions, the use of the designation “Overseeing Permanent Secretary,” delays in promotion exercises, remuneration and staff welfare.
Pantami said he had developed a reform blueprint in consultation with serving and retired public servants. He said the proposals would undergo further consultations before implementation.
The former minister cited his experience at agencies including the National Information Technology Development Agency and the National Identity Management Commission, saying lessons from the reforms could be adapted to improve remuneration, career progression, allowances and institutional development in the Gombe civil service.
