Ali Pantami Joins PDP: APC, PDP Clash Over Former Minister Political Membership Status

Ali Pantami joins PDP has become one of the biggest political stories in Gombe State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) traded words over the former minister’s political membership status ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Key Points

• APC insists Ali Pantami remains a member of the party.
• PDP says Pantami validly resigned and is now its governorship candidate.
• The controversy centres on whether due process was followed in his resignation from the APC.
• Both parties are now laying conflicting claims to the former minister’s political status ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC, PDP Clash Over Pantami’s Political Membership Status

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Gombe State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) traded words over the political membership status of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

The dispute followed Pantami’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.

While the PDP insists that the former minister has officially joined the opposition party, the APC maintains that Pantami remains its member because the procedures for resignation were allegedly not properly followed.

Why APC Says Pantami Remains Its Member

Addressing journalists in Gombe on Tuesday, APC Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, said the executive committee in Pantami Ward had neither received nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by the former minister.

According to him, 25 out of the 27 members of the ward executive committee publicly denied knowledge of any resignation letter.

Kyari also disclosed that the ward chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, said the alleged resignation letter was received on May 23, 2026, despite being dated May 19 and reportedly delivered by one Abba Pantami.

The APC further argued that under the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, Pantami remains its member until all prescribed procedures are properly completed and verified.

APC Rejects Claims Linking Tinubu to Pantami’s Defection

The ruling party also dismissed claims allegedly made by Pantami during a television interview that his defection to the PDP and governorship ambition had the blessing of President Bola Tinubu.

Kyari said it was difficult to believe that President Tinubu, a long-standing APC leader, would support actions capable of undermining the interests and unity of the party.

The APC subsequently called on the national leadership of the party and the Presidency to publicly clarify the issue in order to prevent misinformation.

PDP Insists Pantami Is Its Bona Fide Member

In a swift reaction, the PDP dismissed the APC’s position and insisted that Pantami had fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements for membership of the opposition party.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Dukku, the PDP said it possesses documentary evidence confirming Pantami’s resignation from the APC.

The party claimed that the APC chairman in Pantami Ward personally acknowledged the resignation letter on May 19, 2026, and subsequently shared it on social media where it attracted widespread attention.

The opposition party described the repeated press briefings by the APC on the issue as unnecessary, arguing that the facts surrounding Pantami’s resignation are clear and properly documented.

Why the Controversy Matters

The dispute over Pantami’s political membership status has added another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers believe the issue could influence:

• party realignments in Gombe State;
• legal disputes over candidacy;
• campaign strategies ahead of 2027;
• the balance of power between the APC and PDP.

The development has also intensified political discussions over party defections and the procedures governing political membership changes in Nigeria.

Timeline of Events

May 19, 2026: Pantami’s resignation letter was allegedly acknowledged by the APC ward chairman.

May 23, 2026: APC says the resignation letter was delivered to the ward chairman.

2026: Pantami emerges as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Tuesday: APC and PDP publicly exchange statements over Pantami’s political status.

What Happens Next?

The controversy is expected to continue in the coming weeks, especially if questions surrounding Pantami’s resignation and eligibility remain unresolved.

Political analysts say the issue may eventually require further clarification from relevant authorities if either party decides to pursue legal or electoral remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ali Pantami?

Ali Pantami is a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and a prominent political figure from Gombe State.

Why is there a dispute over Pantami’s membership status?

The APC says his resignation process was not properly completed, while the PDP insists he validly resigned and joined the opposition party.

Is Pantami the PDP governorship candidate?

Yes. The PDP says Pantami has emerged as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Gombe State.

Could the dispute affect the 2027 election?

Yes. The disagreement could trigger further political and legal developments ahead of the governorship election.