A group of political supporters in Gombe State on Sunday rejected what they described as the imposition of “consensus” candidates for elective positions, insisting that the process violates provisions of Nigeria’s electoral law.
Our correspondent reports that Isiyaku-Jamilu Gwamna was selected as consensus governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress.
Pantami had attended initial consensus meeting hosted by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya but was absent where it decision was announced on Sunday.
The group, which identified itself as members of the Pantamiyya Movement, a group sympathetic to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Professor Isa Pantami, raised the concern on Sunday in a statement issued and signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed.
According to the statement, the development occurred while Isa Pantami was in Abuja, with reports emerging from Gombe about a “coronation” of candidates under the guise of consensus.
“We heard about the emergence of a coronation which is being referred to as ‘consensus’ for all elective positions in Gombe State. Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” the statement said.
The group argued that the alleged process runs contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 84(2), which outlines only two recognised methods for candidate nomination by political parties.
“Political parties are restricted to only two methods for selecting candidates, and coronation is not one of them. The law clearly provides for consensus, where all cleared aspirants must give written consent to step down, or direct primaries, where all registered party members vote,” Mohammed stated.
He added that where even one aspirant declines to step down, the party is mandated to adopt direct primaries.
The group further described the situation as a “total disregard for the provisions of the law,” as well as party directives and guidance from Bola Tinubu.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We urge our supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, but we cannot ignore this blatant violation,” the statement added.
The Pantamiyya Movement called on its members to prepare for direct primaries, while also disclosing that its legal team is reviewing the situation.
“We urge our supporters to get ready for direct primaries after addressing major challenges in the APC database in the state. Our legal team is also working on addressing the challenges and observations,” Mohammed said.
