Former Communications and Digital Economy Minister Isa Pantami has suspended one of his social media assistants indefinitely for calling his opponents “hypocrites.”
Gombe State governorial candidate Mr. Pantami distanced himself from the comments, claiming that he did not approve of the now-deleted statement that was shared on his verified Facebook page.
“I would like to state clearly that this message was not authorised by me, nor does it represent our approach to leading the affairs of our state. Furthermore, the admin in question has been placed under suspension until further notice,” he stated.
“First, it is important to note that in politics, everyone is valued and respected, regardless of sectarian differences. Moreover, as an administrator, academic, former Minister, and, most importantly, a religious cleric myself, I understand the value of criticism. It is a vital ingredient that shapes discourse, upholds standards, and sustains development.
“I would also like to state that, as a politician aspiring to lead a heterogeneous, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society, I am for everyone. Islam equally enjoins every leader to be just to all, irrespective of differences, and I hold firmly to these values.
“It is also noteworthy to reiterate that my team comprises individuals of impeccable character from diverse ethno-religious backgrounds. It includes people of different faiths, both Christians and Muslims, as we understand that our diversity across many dimensions makes us stronger and greater as a people” Mr Pantami said.
Mr. Pantami wants to succeed Inuwa Yahaya, who is now serving the last two terms allowed by the constitution, as governor of Gombe State.
But in advance of the 2027 elections, he has now turned down the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus arrangement for elective offices. Jamilu Gwamna was declared the APC’s consensus candidate for governor in Gombe for the 2027 elections earlier on Sunday.
According to Misilli, Inuwa Yahaya, the governor of Gombe and the state’s party leader, presided over an expanded stakeholders’ meeting where the decision was made.
He claims that “extensive meetings spearheaded by the governor and party stakeholders, aimed at enhancing internal cohesiveness, minimizing friction, and projecting a united front ahead of the elections” preceded the selection of consensus candidates.
However, the former minister has rejected the consensus, stating that it did not follow the due processes.
“While Professor Isa Ali Pantami was in Abuja this evening, we heard about the emergence of a coronation which is called a ‘consensus’ for all the elective positions in Gombe State,” the statement posted on the ex-minister’s X handle read.
“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms”, the statement added.
