The Pantamiyyah Movement has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as an imposed consensus arrangement for selecting candidates in Gombe State’s governorship race, calling the move a breach of electoral laws and internal party rules.
In a statement shared on the verified Facebook page of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed for his supporters, the group asserted that any legitimate consensus must involve all cleared aspirants voluntarily signing a written agreement. The movement highlighted that multiple aspirants have already purchased and submitted the required expression of interest and nomination forms, making unilateral decisions invalid.
Citing the Electoral Act 2022, the group reminded that political parties in Nigeria can only choose candidates through consensus or direct primaries. They emphasized that consensus is valid only if all aspirants consent in writing; if even one aspirant refuses, direct primaries must be held.
The Pantamiyyah Movement warned that the reported consensus plan contradicts party guidelines and the stance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, potentially harming internal democracy. Nonetheless, they urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. The group stated they are preparing for direct primaries while their legal team reviews the situation, including allegations of irregularities in the party’s membership database in Gombe.