Pantami’s INEC Clearance Sparks Jubilation, Political Tension In Gombe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to contest the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, triggering celebrations among his supporters and renewed debate over his eligibility.
Shortly after news of the clearance emerged on Thursday night, jubilant supporters took to the streets of Gombe, chanting “Gombe ta Malamce” (Gombe belongs to Malam) to express their excitement and confidence in his governorship ambition.
For Pantami’s supporters, the development represents a major breakthrough following weeks of uncertainty over his eligibility and his earlier exclusion from INEC’s published list of candidates.
One of his associates, Aliyu Mohammed, said Pantami had continued to enjoy widespread support despite the political and legal controversies surrounding his candidacy.
Another supporter, Muhammad Chigari Kumo, described the clearance as a significant milestone, saying it had strengthened their confidence in Pantami’s leadership capacity and ambition to govern the state.
He urged supporters to remain united, patient and prayerful ahead of the 2027 election, expressing optimism about what he described as a new direction for Gombe.
Pantami’s legal team also welcomed the development, with Barrister Attahir Ibrahim describing the clearance as encouraging, although he said he had never been particularly worried about the controversy.
However, the development has not ended the political uncertainty surrounding Pantami’s ambition.
Opponents Express Reservations
Some political opponents and residents have cautioned against premature celebrations, insisting that pending court cases could still determine whether the former minister is eligible to contest.
Dalhatu Sani Isa, one of his political opponents, argued that it was too early to declare victory, maintaining that the legal proceedings remained crucial to the outcome of Pantami’s candidacy.
Similarly, a Gombe resident, Hawwau Abdullahi, said Pantami had the right to pursue his political ambition but stressed that the legal process must be allowed to run its course without intimidation or unnecessary tension.
Another resident, Adamu Sulaiman, said his priority was not the identity of the eventual winner but whether the next governor would address Gombe’s pressing challenges, including unemployment, poverty, insecurity, poor infrastructure and inadequate basic services.
He called on politicians and their supporters to focus on issue-based campaigns and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
The contrasting reactions highlight the growing political tension surrounding the Gombe governorship race, with Pantami’s supporters viewing the INEC clearance as a major boost, while opponents insist that the legal battle is far from over.
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