Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and concerns over the credibility of the party’s electoral process.

Pantami announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Tuesday by Barrister Ibrahim M. Attahir on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement.

According to the statement, the former minister said his decision followed consultations with stakeholders and what he described as persistent failures by party leadership to provide critical information necessary for a transparent and credible primary election.

Pantami, who had joined the race after appeals from supporters across Gombe State, stated that he participated fully in the process and complied with party requirements.

The statement noted that his campaign was represented at a peace accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on May 14, 2026.

However, the Pantamiyya Movement alleged that several letters sent to APC leadership seeking clarification on procedures for the governorship direct primaries received no response.

The concerns reportedly included requests for details regarding accreditation procedures for agents and observers, voting arrangements, collation processes and locations of collation centres.

Pantami also expressed reservations over the conduct of recent APC National Assembly direct primary elections in the state, alleging that grassroots members were excluded from the process and that electoral procedures lacked transparency.

“The law must guide democratic processes,” the statement said, adding that non-compliance with electoral guidelines could undermine the legitimacy and credibility of party primaries.

The APC governorship primary election in Gombe State is scheduled for Thursday.

Despite withdrawing from the contest, Pantami urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, emphasising the importance of peace, security and democratic principles.

He also expressed appreciation to supporters, particularly youth groups and women, who contributed financially toward his expression of interest and nomination forms through crowdfunding initiatives.

The Pantamiyya Movement said it would announce its next political direction and future plans in due course, while reaffirming its commitment to pursuing what it described as good governance and lawful democratic engagement.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya had announced Jamilu Gwamna as the consensus candidate of APC in Gombe State with Pantami and other aspirants alleging exclusion.