Gombe APC says Pantami is still a member

The Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that Professor Ali Pantami is still a party member. They argue that the proper process was not followed regarding his supposed resignation.

Recently, Pantami became the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State after the APC primary, which chose Jamilu Gwamna as its candidate.

At a press conference on Tuesday in Gombe, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, stated that the local party executive in Pantami’s Ward said they did not receive or discuss any resignation letter from him.

Kyari mentioned that 25 out of the 27 members of the Ward Executive confirmed that the claim about Pantami’s resignation is “a fabrication made without the knowledge or approval of the Ward Executive Committee.”

He said, “As you may recall, twenty-five out of the twenty-seven members of the Ward Executive Committee publicly stated that they neither saw nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by Professor Ali Isa Pantami. They maintained that the claim was merely a fabrication orchestrated without the knowledge or approval of the Ward Executive Committee.”

Kyari explained that the Ward Chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, said the alleged resignation letter was received on May 23, 2026, even though it was dated May 19. An individual named Abba Pantami delivered the letter.

“Despite repeated requests, members of the Ward Executive Committee have not been provided with a copy of the said letter,” Kyari stated.

He argued that according to the APC Constitution, INEC guidelines, and the Electoral Act, Pantami remains an APC member until the proper procedures are followed and confirmed.

“It is therefore our position that Professor Ali Isa Pantami remains a member of the APC until all due processes are properly followed and verified,” he said.

Kyari also rejected claims made by Pantami in a televised interview on TVC. Pantami suggested that his move to the PDP and his governorship ambition had the backing of President Bola Tinubu.

“We categorically reject this assertion. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a committed leader of the APC and has shown loyalty to the party. It is hard to believe that the President would support actions that go against the interests and unity of the APC,” he said.

He pointed out what he called the achievements of the APC government in Gombe State under Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. He mentioned improvements in governance, infrastructure, peace, and political stability.

“The governor has strengthened the party’s presence across the state. We have strong representation at the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and local government levels,” he said.

Kyari said the party sees no reason to believe claims that President Tinubu endorsed Pantami’s ambitions outside the APC.

“Given these achievements and the continued growth of the APC in Gombe State, we find no basis for the claims being spread about any endorsement of Professor Pantami’s political ambitions outside the party,” he added.

He urged the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly address this issue to prevent confusion.

“We therefore call on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify and dispel these claims. This will help prevent misinformation and keep the people well-informed,” Kyari said.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to being open and united.