A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and governorship aspirant in Gombe State, Professor Isa Pantami, has rejected the purported consensus arrangement of the All Progressives Congress in the state, describing it as lacking inclusivity and contrary to the law.
Pantami’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by Professor Suleiman Mohammed on behalf of supporters and members of the Pantamiyya Movement.
According to the statement, the former minister was in Abuja when news of what it described as a “coronation” presented as a consensus for elective positions in the state emerged.
“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.
Mohammed argued that the process failed to meet legal requirements, stressing that no valid consensus could be reached without the involvement and consent of all aspirants who had obtained and completed their nomination forms.
“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” he added.
The group, however, urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding despite what it described as a disregard for due process.
It further cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, noting that Section 84(2) outlines recognised methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties.
Mohammed explained, “Consensus: A candidate may emerge if all cleared aspirants provide written consent to step down. If even one aspirant refuses, the party must revert to a direct primary.
“Direct primaries: Every registered party member has the right to vote directly for their preferred aspirant.”
He maintained that the alleged consensus arrangement contravened the law, directives of the party’s national leadership, and instructions of President Bola Tinubu.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” the statement added.
The group called on its supporters to prepare for direct primaries, noting that its legal team was already working to address identified challenges, including issues related to the party’s membership database in the state.
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