Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Gombe State, citing alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and irregularities in 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, Pantami pulled out of the APC governorship race scheduled for 21 May 2026 after what he described as the party’s failure to provide the framework and information necessary for a transparent and credible direct primary election.

The statement said Pantami had fully complied with the APC’s procedures and requirements after accepting calls from stakeholders, including youth and women’s groups, to contest for the governorship seat.

It added that he was the only governorship aspirant in the APC to send a representative to the Peace Accord organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, on 14 May, where his representative also signed the accord.

However, the movement alleged that repeated attempts by Pantami’s legal representatives to obtain details about the conduct of the direct primaries were ignored by the party leadership.

The statement accused the APC of failing to provide information on accreditation procedures, collation centres, voting guidelines and observer access ahead of the exercise.

It further alleged that no actual elections took place during the APC National Assembly direct primaries conducted in the state on 16 and 18 May, claiming that results were announced without proper voting processes.

Pantami said the alleged sidelining of grassroots party members, especially women and youths, undermined the credibility of the process.

The former minister also referenced calls by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for free, fair and credible direct primaries, arguing that such directives were not implemented in Gombe State.

Despite withdrawing from the race, Pantami urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that democracy must be guided by the rule of law, peace and security.

He also expressed appreciation to supporters, particularly youths who reportedly crowdfunded his expression of interest and nomination forms through public donations ranging from N5,000 to N4 million.