How Pantami’s INEC Clearance Sparked Jubilation, Mixed Reactions In Gombe

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s clearance of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to contest the 2027 Gombe State governorship election has triggered jubilation among his supporters, while political opponents insist that his legal battles are far from over.

A few minutes after the clearance news emerged, Pantami’s supporters took to the streets of Gombe on Thursday night, chanting “Gombe ta Malamce”, meaning Gombe belongs to Malam, in a show of renewed confidence in his political ambition.

For many of his supporters, the development represents a breakthrough after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his eligibility to contest the election and his exclusion from the list of candidates published by INEC.

Some supporters described the commission’s decision as a victory for democracy and a sign that Pantami’s political ambition remains firmly on course, expressing optimism that he would eventually emerge as the next governor of the state.

Speaking on the growing enthusiasm among his supporters, one of Pantami’s associates, Aliyu Mohammed, said the former minister had continued to enjoy widespread support despite the political and legal challenges surrounding his candidacy.

“The level of public interest in Pantami was evident in the numerous calls from relatives, friends and supporters across different states, including rural communities.”

Aliyu also dismissed suggestions that some supporters had become discouraged by the controversies, arguing that Pantami’s popularity remained strong.

Muhammad Chigari Kumo, another supporter, described the INEC clearance as a significant milestone in the former minister’s political journey, saying it had strengthened their confidence and optimism ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“As a committed supporter of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, I am extremely delighted and encouraged by his latest INEC clearance,” he said, adding that his hope in Pantami’s governorship ambition was now stronger than ever.

Chigari expressed confidence in Pantami’s leadership capacity, experience and vision, saying he believed the former minister could deliver meaningful development to Gombe State.

He urged supporters to remain united, patient and prayerful while sustaining strategic engagement, describing the development as a renewed opportunity for the state. “Gombe 2027, A New Hope, A New Direction. Professor Pantami, In Sha Allah,” he said.

Efforts to reach out to Pantami for comment were not successful, but LEADERSHIP reports that a member of his legal team, Barrister Attahir Ibrahim, described the INEC clearance of the former minister as a welcome development, noting that he was, though, unperturbed by the controversy.

“Though I have never been concerned, it is something to be happy about,” Attahir said in an interview.

However, the excitement has not translated into universal confidence across Gombe’s political landscape.

Opponents React

Some residents and supporters of other political parties maintained that INEC’s clearance does not necessarily end the controversy, pointing to pending court cases that could still determine the former minister’s eligibility.

They argued that the political contest was far from settled, insisting that the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings would be crucial to determining whether Pantami would eventually appear on the ballot.

Dalhatu Sani Isa, one of his political opponents, expressed reservations about the development, saying it was too early for his supporters to celebrate victory when critical legal questions remained unresolved.

He maintained that the governorship contest was still open and that the coming months would determine whether Pantami could overcome the challenges confronting his candidacy.

For some residents, the INEC clearance has brought a new dimension to the state’s political atmosphere, although they remain cautious about predicting the eventual outcome.

Hawwau Abdullahi, a resident of Federal Lowcost, Gombe, said that while Pantami has the right to pursue his governorship ambition, the legal process must be allowed to run its course without political intimidation or unnecessary tension.

Others like Adamu Sulaiman said their primary concern was not which political aspirant secured the ticket or emerged victorious, but whether the eventual governor would address the state’s development challenges, including unemployment, poverty, insecurity, poor infrastructure and inadequate access to basic services.

Sulaiman urged politicians and their supporters to prioritise issue-based campaigns and peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 election.

The contrasting reactions following the ex-minister’s clearance reflect the uncertainty surrounding the 2027 governorship race, with his supporters interpreting the development as a significant boost to his ambition, while his critics remain cautious about celebrating what they consider an unresolved legal battle.