The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has scheduled Tuesday, September 29, 2026, for a fresh governorship primary following the nullification of its earlier primary by the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe.
The court, in a judgment delivered on September 24, nullified the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election and directed the PDP to conduct a fresh primary in accordance with its guidelines and applicable electoral laws.
In a public announcement dated September 25 and signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmed Dukku, the Gombe PDP said eligible party members are expected to assemble at their respective wards to participate in the fresh exercise.
The aspirants cleared for the new primary include Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki and Usman Aliyu Garry.
Pantami had emerged from the earlier PDP process through voice affirmation on May 26, 2026. His emergence was subsequently challenged in court by rival aspirants, who argued that the process did not comply with the party’s rules and relevant electoral requirements. The court ultimately ordered a fresh primary.
Pantami had earlier withdrawn from the APC governorship race before joining the PDP. Reports at the time linked his PDP bid to support from a faction associated with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.
The September 29 exercise will therefore reopen the contest for the PDP governorship ticket, with the outcome determining the party’s candidate for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.
The party has called on its members, supporters and stakeholders to cooperate with the process and conduct themselves peacefully during the exercise.
