The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will hold a fresh governorship primary in Gombe State after a Federal High Court judgment nullified the process that produced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
The court, sitting in Gombe on Thursday, ordered the party to conduct another primary in accordance with its guidelines and applicable electoral laws. The judgment followed a suit by PDP governorship aspirant Usman Aliyu Garry challenging Pantami’s emergence.
Pantami had joined the PDP after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) and emerged as the PDP’s candidate through a voice affirmation during the party’s governorship primary in May. He was subsequently presented as the party’s candidate for the election.
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP said it would comply with the court’s directive and begin the necessary processes for a fresh governorship primary.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party said it would study the judgment and take steps to implement the court’s directives.
‘The PDP, as a responsible and law-abiding political party, respects the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary,’ the statement said.
The party said it would conduct the fresh primary in line with its Constitution, Electoral Guidelines and applicable laws.
It said it would communicate the date, timetable, and other details of the exercise to aspirants, stakeholders, members, and the general public after the necessary arrangements were concluded.
The PDP also urged its members and supporters in Gombe State to remain calm and united as preparations for the fresh primary continue.