Former minister’s 2027 ambition hits fresh legal turbulence as court overturns his emergence, reopening the PDP’s nomination contest
By Usman Umar
A court has nullified the emergence of former Communications Minister Isa Pantami as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate for Gombe State, ordering the party to conduct a fresh primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ruling sets aside Pantami’s earlier victory at the primary and throws the race for the PDP’s governorship ticket wide open once again, dealing a significant blow to a campaign that had appeared to be gathering momentum.
Beyond its impact on Pantami’s ambitions, the judgment shines a spotlight on internal party democracy, transparency, and adherence to electoral regulations in candidate nomination — issues that are likely to resonate well beyond Gombe as parties nationwide sharpen their strategies for 2027.
For Pantami, the setback is significant but not necessarily fatal. The nullification does not permanently bar him from contesting a fresh primary, leaving the door open for a second bid — subject to applicable electoral requirements and the outcome of any further judicial proceedings.
Attention now turns to the PDP’s leadership, which must decide its next move: comply with the court order and organize a new primary, or challenge the ruling at the appellate courts. Either path carries political risk, and the party’s response is likely to shape the trajectory of its Gombe campaign heading into 2027.
As stakeholders watch closely for the PDP’s next steps, the ruling adds a new layer of uncertainty to an already keenly contested race — with further legal battles a real possibility before the governorship contest in Gombe State is settled.
