Gombe State Erupts as PDP Governorship Candidate Pantami Receives Mammoth Welcome

Gombe State witnessed a massive political reception on Wednesday, November 11, as thousands of residents trooped out to welcome the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami. The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy was received by supporters who lined major streets, waving PDP flags and singing solidarity songs. The reception was organised by the Gombe State chapter of the PDP following the publication of Pantami's name on the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) list of governorship candidates.

The procession encountered a security challenge along Jekadafari Road, near the family residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as youths blocked the road with tyres and set them ablaze. The burning tyres disrupted vehicular movement and caused panic among motorists, commuters and residents. Despite the blockade, Pantami's convoy, comprising hundreds of vehicles, eventually made its way through the affected area and continued the procession. Some traders reportedly hurriedly closed their shops amid fears of a possible confrontation.

Reports indicated that some youths armed with dangerous weapons attacked vehicles in the motorcade, smashing several windscreens and causing panic among supporters and other road users. The security personnel deployed to the area subsequently intervened, restored calm, extinguished the fire and cleared the road for normal traffic. As of Wednesday night, no casualty had been officially confirmed, while the Gombe State Police Command had yet to issue a statement on the incidents.

The incidents attracted reactions from the two major political parties in the state. The PDP condemned the attacks on its supporters, describing them as barbaric and undemocratic. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice. However, the APC Campaign Council in Gombe State also accused some PDP supporters of destroying properties belonging to residents and APC members during the political activities.

Pantami, beyond his political ambition and previous public service, is widely known as a renowned Islamic scholar whose religious lectures and teachings have attracted audiences in Nigeria and internationally. His emergence as the winner of the 2020 Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year Award, organised by Muslim News Nigeria, was formally announced on February 19, 2021. The recognition celebrated his contributions to Nigeria's digital economy and his commitment to providing Islamic education to Muslims across the globe.

Born on October 20, 1972, in Gombe State, Pantami began his education with traditional Qur'anic learning before proceeding to formal education. He obtained a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, before earning postgraduate qualifications, including a master's degree in Computer Science and an MBA in Technology Management. He subsequently obtained a PhD in Computing and Information Systems from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Pantami's journey into national public service gained prominence in September 2016 when former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). He later became the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, a position he held until his resignation to pursue his governorship ambition. His international academic exposure includes his appointment at the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, where he served as an academic and held responsibilities in technical writing and computing.

Key points

• The PDP governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, received a mammoth welcome in Gombe State amid bonfires and roadblocks.
• The procession encountered security challenges, including roadblocks and attacks on vehicles, but Pantami's convoy eventually made its way through the affected area.
• Pantami is a renowned Islamic scholar and a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, with a background in computer science and technology management.