Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has explained that his decision to contest the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is driven by a desire to address poverty and promote inclusive governance. Pantami, who has been officially affirmed as the PDP’s governorship candidate, emerged as the sole aspirant during the party’s affirmation process held today.
Chairman of the PDP Gombe Electoral Panel, Gregory Yenlong, announced the results, stating that Pantami secured a total of 52,955 votes across the state’s three senatorial districts. The breakdown shows 16,781 votes from Gombe North, 12,752 from Gombe Central, and 23,422 from Gombe South. Speaking shortly after his affirmation, Pantami said his ambition is rooted in service rather than personal gain, emphasizing the need for unity and development in the state.
“This is not about ambition, but about serving humanity. It is not about Isa, but about Gombe State. There is no discrimination. We want our diversity to be our strength, not our weakness,” he said. Highlighting the socio-economic challenges facing the state, Pantami noted that Gombe ranks among the poorest states in Nigeria, with a poverty index of about 74.5 per cent.
“Gombe is the third poorest state in Nigeria with a poverty index of around 74.5 per cent. By implication, our people are living in abject poverty,” he added.
The PDP candidate outlined key priorities of his proposed administration, including investment in education, promotion of smart agriculture, and industrialisation through foreign direct investment.
“Our plan is to ensure we lift our people from this poverty, particularly through education and agriculture by introducing smart agriculture. In the area of industrialisation, we intend to attract foreign direct investment for our people,” Pantami stated. His emergence has set the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship race in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections.
