Pantamiyya Movement rejects ‘backdoor consensus,’ demands direct APC primaries in Gombe

Politics

GOMBE, Nigeria (NPA) — Supporters of former Communications Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami have rejected what they described as an alleged attempt to impose candidates through a “backdoor consensus” arrangement in Gombe State, insisting that all elective positions must be contested through transparent democratic processes.

In a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of members of the Pantamiyya Movement, Professor Suleiman Mohammed said any legitimate consensus arrangement under Nigerian electoral law must involve aspirants who have duly obtained and completed their expression of interest and nomination forms.

The group argued that the reported political arrangement in the state does not conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and existing party guidelines.

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Citing Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, the movement stated that political parties are recognised to adopt only two methods for nominating candidates — consensus or direct primaries.

According to the statement, a valid consensus process can only stand where all cleared aspirants voluntarily agree in writing to step down for a consensus candidate.

The group maintained that where even a single aspirant refuses to endorse such an arrangement, the party is legally required to conduct direct primaries.

It added that direct primaries provide registered party members the opportunity to vote directly for candidates of their choice.

While urging supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, the movement said it could not remain silent over what it described as disregard for democratic principles, party regulations, and legal provisions.

The statement also claimed that the alleged arrangement runs contrary to the position of the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as directives issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The movement called on its supporters to prepare for possible direct primaries, noting that efforts were ongoing to address concerns surrounding the APC membership database in the state.

It further disclosed that its legal team was reviewing the situation and taking necessary steps over what it described as “observations and challenges” surrounding the process.