By Achile Danjuma
A political movement aligned with Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON, has vehemently rejected what it describes as an unlawful “coronation” of candidates for all elective positions in Gombe State, warning that the move violates the Nigeria Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued late this evening from Abuja—where Professor Pantami was present—the Pantamiyya Movement, speaking through Professor Suleiman Mohammed, declared that no valid consensus can emerge without the written consent of every cleared aspirant.
The group alleges that a so-called “consensus” has been orchestrated to anoint Jamilu Gwamna, the preferred candidate of the incumbent governor, bypassing due process.
“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” the statement read. “The total disregard for the provisions of the law cannot be ignored by us.”
Citing Section 84(2) of the Nigeria Electoral Act, 2026, Professor Mohammed noted that political parties are restricted to only two methods for selecting candidates: consensus (requiring written consent from all aspirants) or direct primaries. He stressed that “coronation” is not among the legally recognized methods.
“If even one aspirant refuses, the party must revert to a direct primary,” the statement added, characterizing the current action as completely contrary to the law, the directive of the National Party, and the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The movement advised its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while urging them to prepare for direct primaries after what it called “major challenges in the APC database in the state.” A legal team, the group said, is already working to address the alleged irregularities.
Quoting the philosopher Martin Luther King Jr., the statement declared: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The statement concluded with prayers for Gombe State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.