Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has been officially affirmed as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.

Pantami emerged as the sole aspirant during the party’s affirmation process held on Tuesday. Chairman of the PDP Gombe Electoral Panel, Gregory Yenlong, announced the outcome, confirming Pantami received a total of 52,955 votes from across the state’s three senatorial districts: 16,781 in Gombe North, 12,752 in Gombe Central, and 23,422 in Gombe South.

Speaking after his affirmation, Pantami said his move was motivated by the urgent need to combat widespread poverty and foster inclusive leadership in the state, not personal political ambition.

He said, “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.

“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.

“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.”