Pantami Rejects Gombe APC Consensus Arrangement, Calls Process Illegal

A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, has rejected the purported consensus arrangement adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, describing the process as exclusionary and a violation of electoral laws.

Pantami, who is also a governorship aspirant in the state, voiced his opposition through a statement issued on Sunday by the Pantamiyya Movement. The group noted that the former minister was in Abuja when news emerged of what it termed a “coronation” presented as a consensus for elective positions in the state.

According to the statement, no valid consensus can be reached without the involvement and written consent of all aspirants who have obtained and completed their nomination forms. The group argued that the alleged arrangement disregarded due process and failed to meet basic legal requirements.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, the movement pointed out that Section 84(2) clearly outlines how political parties may nominate candidates.

Under the law, a consensus candidate can only emerge if all cleared aspirants provide written consent to step down. If even one aspirant refuses, the party is required to revert to direct primaries, where every registered party member has the right to vote.

The group maintained that the Gombe APC consensus arrangement contravenes the law, the directives of the party’s national leadership, and instructions from President Bola Tinubu. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” the statement added.

Supporters of the Pantamiyya Movement have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding while preparing for direct primaries. The group also said its legal team is already addressing identified challenges, including issues with the party’s membership database in the state.