The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled a fresh governorship primary in Gombe State for September 29, 2026. This decision follows a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the earlier primary, which had produced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, as the party's candidate. The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmed Dukku, announced the development in a statement, directing eligible party members to participate in the exercise.
The fresh primary was necessitated by a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed in a suit filed by Usman Aliyu Garry, who challenged Pantami's emergence as the party's governorship candidate. Garry had argued that the process through which Pantami emerged did not constitute a valid governorship primary, contending that the party failed to conduct the required election. The court nullified the earlier primary and ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh exercise within one month.
The PDP has cleared three aspirants to participate in the rescheduled primary, including Pantami, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, and Usman Aliyu Garry. Eligible voters are expected to assemble at their respective ward areas to cast their votes for their preferred aspirant. The party leadership and contestants are studying the implications of the judgment, while urging members, supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm and united.
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld an appeal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against a Court of Appeal judgment that had voided parts of the Electoral Act 2026 dealing with political party primaries and membership registers. A seven-member panel led by Justice Adamu Jauro set aside the Court of Appeal's decision in favour of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and upheld the judgment of the trial court.
The apex court held that Sections 77(5) and 84 of the Electoral Act were not inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution. The court also awarded N2 million in costs against the ZLP. In two other judgments delivered on Thursday, the Supreme Court dismissed separate appeals filed by the Social Democratic Party and Youth Party against decisions of the Court of Appeal in their respective cases involving INEC.
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP said it had received the decision in good faith and respected the authority of the court. The party also welcomed the aspect of the judgment which validated Pantami's membership of the PDP and his entry into the party ahead of the May primary. Dukku cautioned members against speculation and inflammatory statements that could heighten tension ahead of the exercise.
The party spokesman assured that the PDP would take all necessary steps within the law to protect its interests and uphold its democratic integrity. Pantami emerged as the PDP's governorship candidate after joining the party from the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he had earlier sought the governorship ticket. The former minister subsequently participated in the PDP's May 2026 governorship primary and emerged through voice affirmation.
Key points
- The PDP has scheduled a fresh governorship primary in Gombe State for September 29, 2026.
- The fresh primary was necessitated by a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the earlier exercise.
- The PDP has cleared three aspirants to participate in the rescheduled primary, including Pantami, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, and Usman Aliyu Garry.
