Pantami’s APC Revalidation Sparks 2027 Governorship Talk, Leaves ADC Camp Guessing

Political undercurrents are intensifying in Gombe State following the revalidation of Professor Isa Ali Pantami’s All Progressives Congress (APC) membership, a move that has reshaped conversations around the 2027 governorship race.

Pantami, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, returned to the political spotlight on Wednesday as he renewed his APC membership during the party’s ongoing nationwide e-registration exercise. While he stopped short of declaring any ambition, the timing and optics of the move have fueled widespread speculation that he may be positioning himself for a governorship bid in 2027.

Strategic Silence, Rising Momentum

In Nigeria’s political landscape, early declarations are often avoided by major players seeking to dodge premature attacks. Instead, supporters typically lead the charge—building narratives, forming coalitions, and testing public sentiment. Observers say Pantami appears to be following this familiar script, as youth groups and political allies quietly amplify calls for his leadership.

APC Welcomes Pantami—But Not Without Tension

Pantami arrived at the APC state headquarters to a large reception, where party leaders praised his decision to reaffirm loyalty to the ruling party amid months of speculation linking him to opposition forces. Reports had earlier suggested that Pantami was sympathetic to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), especially after several of his close associates reportedly pitched their tents there.

However, the warm reception was punctuated by pointed remarks from within the party hierarchy.

Party Leadership Raises Eyebrows

The APC Organising Secretary in Gombe State, Ibrahim Musa, openly expressed reservations about Pantami’s past engagement with party activities. He noted that the former minister’s long absence and the defection of many of his loyalists to the ADC had created uncertainty about his political allegiance.

According to Musa, the party had struggled to place Pantami clearly within its fold until his appearance at the revalidation exercise—an act that, while reassuring, also reopened unresolved questions about commitment and consistency.

ADC Caught Off Guard?

Pantami’s public return to APC has sent ripples across opposition ranks, particularly within the ADC, where his perceived influence had generated quiet optimism. With his membership now officially reaffirmed, analysts say the ADC’s expectations in Gombe may have suffered a setback.

What Comes Next?

Although Pantami remains publicly non-committal, his revalidation has altered Gombe’s political atmosphere. Whether it marks the start of a calculated march toward Government House or simply a move to consolidate relevance within APC, one thing is clear: Isa Ali Pantami is back in the political conversation—and Gombe is watching closely.