Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and a prominent Islamic scholar, has called upon his supporters to maintain their unwavering commitment to prayer and to resist distraction from critics. He asserted that those responsible for undermining his political aspirations would soon be brought to light.
Professor Pantami has been a central figure in recent news since formally declaring his intention to contest the governorship election in Gombe State. Initially a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he departed from the party after it opted for Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as its consensus governorship candidate in the state. Following this, he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), successfully emerging as their governorship candidate on 26th May 2026.
Legal Battles and Exclusion from Final List
However, Pantami’s candidacy faced immediate challenges. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, another aspirant for the PDP gubernatorial ticket, initiated legal proceedings in a Federal High Court in Gombe. This challenge led to the nullification of Pantami’s initial election and the order for a fresh primary, which the former Minister again secured.
Further complications arose from a Supreme Court judgment delivered on 24th September. The ruling, in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party (Appeal No. SC/CV/495/2026), reactivated Sections 77(5), 77(6), and 77(7) of the Electoral Act, 2026. These sections regulate the submission and use of political parties’ membership registers. Crucially, the Supreme Court upheld the statutory consequence that parties failing to submit their registers within the prescribed window (21st April to 10th May 2026) would be ineligible to field candidates.
Although Professor Pantami’s name appeared on INEC’s provisional list published on 29th August, it was conspicuously absent from the final list released in October. He had previously reassured his supporters that this exclusion was a temporary and normal electoral challenge that would be resolved. Through his legal representatives, he issued a three-day ultimatum to INEC to reinstate his name, asserting his compliance with all stipulated requirements.
INEC, however, maintained its decision to exclude Pantami and other affected candidates. The commission directed political parties dissatisfied with its decision to formalise their complaints and notify INEC by 24th October 2026, if they believed their candidates had been wrongfully excluded.
Pantami's Message to Supporters
With the 24th October deadline now passed, Professor Pantami released a video message on Saturday via his verified Facebook page, delivered in Hausa. In his address, he affirmed his belief that no human power could thwart a divine destiny for success.
He expressed profound gratitude, stating, "I want to begin by expressing my profound gratitude to my fellow good people of Gombe State for their prayers, including the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, and for gathering in mosques and churches to pray for us for days on end. This has made me very happy and gave me the encouragement that Allah has blessed us with people who truly love us. I pray that Allah will continue to help us. May Allah save us from letting one another down. May Allah reward us more than we can ever repay. Indeed, whoever does not appreciate people does not appreciate God."
Professor Pantami lauded his supporters for their steadfastness amidst the challenges, encouraging them not to waver or be swayed by critics. "You canvassed support, mobilised people, enlightened them and remained steadfast throughout this period. This is commendable, and this is a sign of true piety. Do not relent. Do not be angry or discouraged, because you are the ones who will be elevated, provided you remain steadfast in your belief in Allah."
He specifically warned against ridiculing those who resort to prayers in mosques and churches, suggesting such mockery could invite calamity upon the dissenters. "I saw people mocking you for gathering in mosques and churches to pray for us and seek Allah’s help. Those who do this are to be pitied because they do not understand the power and might of Allah. They are not our enemies, but they should be pitied. Mocking or ridiculing someone who seeks help from Allah is a serious matter that could provoke calamity. Let this not discourage you. Such things have happened even to the Prophets of Allah."
The former Minister claimed that investigations had revealed the identities of those behind the efforts to sabotage his candidacy. He assured his supporters that the schemes and names of all individuals who worked against his political movement would soon be publicly disclosed.
"As for those whom you accused of repeatedly frustrating this movement, our investigations have now confirmed that these allegations are true. There is no amount of money or effort that has not been expended in an attempt to scuttle this movement," he stated.
"But our belief remains that this is a movement of Allah. If you read the story of Prophet Musa and Pharaoh, as narrated in the Qur’an and the Bible, particularly in the Book of Exodus, you will understand that no human being can stop what Allah has predestined for you. There are people who have publicly claimed to be fearless, insisting that they are not afraid and are ready for the battle. Yet, today, they are working day and night to prevent that very battle from taking place. Our message to them is that no one can destroy someone whom Allah has predestined to succeed. No one can stop God when He wills something to happen. We pray that Allah will help those who do not understand to understand. In a short while, we will expose, with detailed explanations, the hypocrisy and the plots carried out, as well as those behind it. We pray that Allah will continue to guide and help us. Do not relent in doing good."