Pantami: We’ll soon expose those plotting to scuttle my guber ambition

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has called on his supporters to continue praying and not be swayed by critics, stating that those who opposed his gubernatorial bid would eventually be exposed. Pantami, an Islamic scholar, announced his intention to contest the governorship election in Gombe State after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Despite a Federal High Court challenge that initially nullified his candidacy and ordered a fresh primary, Pantami emerged victorious again. However, the September 24 Supreme Court ruling, which barred political parties from fielding candidates without names on the membership register submitted to INEC, cast uncertainty over his participation in the 2027 election.

Although INEC listed Pantami as a candidate on August 29, the subsequent list released on October excluded his name. Pantami assured his supporters that the issue would be resolved, describing the exclusion as a temporary challenge. He urged them to remain steadfast in their prayers and not be distracted by criticism, emphasizing that Allah had predestined him to succeed.

Pantami's lawyers later demanded that INEC reinstates his name as a candidate, citing compliance with all requirements. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) maintained that Pantami, along with others not on the final list, remained excluded. Pantami, in a recent video, expressed gratitude to his supporters for their prayers and support, urging them not to relent or be discouraged by critics.

He warned against mocking his followers for seeking help from Allah, as such actions could provoke calamity. Pantami claimed that his investigation had uncovered those behind attempts to sabotage his candidacy, promising to expose their hypocrisy and plots soon.