The Federal High Court in Gombe has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct a fresh governorship primary in the state.
The ruling has put the Pantami governorship ticket in doubt after the court questioned the process that produced Prof. Isa Ali Pantami as the party’s candidate.
Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed issued the order while ruling on a case filed by Usman Aliyu Garry.
Garry Challenges Pantami’s Emergence
Garry challenged Pantami’s emergence after the PDP announced him as its governorship candidate on June 26, 2026.
He argued that the party failed to conduct the required primary election before declaring Pantami its candidate.
Pantami had previously belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He later joined the PDP after the APC adopted Jamilu Gwamna as its consensus candidate.
After moving to the PDP, Pantami emerged through a voice affirmation at the party’s governorship primary held in May.
Court Orders New Primary
In its judgment delivered on Thursday, the court directed the PDP to organise another governorship primary.
The court said the new exercise must follow the party’s internal guidelines and comply with relevant electoral laws.
The ruling therefore affects the Pantami governorship ticket and requires the PDP to return to the primary election process.
The development could now trigger a fresh contest among interested aspirants as the party works to comply with the court’s order.