The political future of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has come under renewed uncertainty ahead of the 2027 Gombe State governorship election following a Federal High Court ruling nullifying his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate.

The court, presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primary in compliance with its constitution, guidelines and relevant electoral laws.

The judgment followed a suit filed by PDP governorship aspirant Usman Aliyu Garry, who challenged the process that produced Pantami as the party’s candidate.

Pantami had joined the PDP after leaving the All Progressives Congress, APC, following the emergence of Jamilu Gwamna as the APC’s preferred governorship candidate. He subsequently secured the PDP ticket through voice affirmation.

The ruling has reopened the party’s nomination process, leaving the PDP to organise another primary ahead of the 2027 election.