The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored the identify of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to the listing of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, topic to the result of pending court docket instances.
The growth marks a contemporary flip within the dispute over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidacy in Gombe State, with Pantami’s authorized staff expressing confidence regardless of the authorized and political challenges surrounding his ambition.
Reacting to the event, a member of Pantami’s authorized staff, Barrister Attahir Ibrahim, instructed LEADERSHIP that he had remained unperturbed by the controversy, describing the restoration of the previous minister’s identify as a welcome growth.
“Though I have never been concerned, it is something to be happy about,” Attahir stated in an interview.
The lawyer attributed his confidence to his perception that political energy finally rests with God, arguing that political struggles and makes an attempt to forestall people from attaining management positions weren’t new in historical past.
“Anyone who understands the history of power and political struggles around the world would not be surprised or frightened by anything that happens. This is because I know that power belongs to God. If He decides to give someone power, no matter what anyone does, they cannot prevent it,” he stated.
Attahir additionally pointed to what he described as repeated authorized disputes and reversals by events concerned within the controversy, sustaining that his staff remained hopeful that the method would produce a beneficial consequence.
He additional dismissed strategies that the extended uncertainty over Pantami’s candidacy might need weakened the passion of his supporters.
According to him, the extent of public curiosity within the former minister extends past his fast political associates, with folks from completely different communities and states reaching out to inquire concerning the developments.
Attahir stated a few of these contacting him have been kinfolk, buddies and supporters who didn’t even know Pantami personally, including {that a} radio station had additionally approached him for an interview on the matter.
The newest growth follows INEC’s earlier omission of some governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates over alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 requiring political events to submit their membership registers.
The fee reportedly obtained petitions from political events difficult the omissions. Although the ultimate figures have been nonetheless being compiled by INEC’s authorized division forward of an official assertion, sources stated over 30 petitions have been profitable.
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