The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said it will conduct a fresh governorship primary election in Gombe State following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the process that produced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, as its candidate for the 2027 election.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Haruna Jungudo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the PDP would study the judgment and take immediate steps to comply with the court’s directives.
The Federal High Court sitting in Gombe had nullified Pantami’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate and ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary within 30 days.
Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed delivered the judgment following a pre-election suit filed by another PDP governorship aspirant, Usman Aliyu Garry.
Garry had challenged the process that produced Pantami, arguing that it violated the party’s guidelines and relevant provisions of the electoral law.
Pantami emerged as the PDP candidate through voice affirmation at the party’s governorship primary held in May 2026 after defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former minister was subsequently presented by the PDP as its candidate in June.
Reacting to the judgment, Jungudo said the PDP remained committed to internal democracy, due process and compliance with its constitution, electoral guidelines and relevant laws.
“The Peoples Democratic Party has noted the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe, which nullified the Party’s earlier Governorship Primary Election in Gombe State and ordered the conduct of a fresh primary.
“The PDP, as a responsible and law-abiding political party, is a strong respecter of the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary.
“The Party will, therefore, carefully study the judgment and take immediate steps to ensure full compliance with the directives of the Court,” he said.
Jungudo said the party would commence the necessary processes for a fresh governorship primary in compliance with the judgment.
He added that the date, timetable and other details of the exercise would be communicated to aspirants, stakeholders, members and the public after the necessary arrangements had been concluded.
The PDP spokesman urged party members and supporters in Gombe to remain calm and united while the party implements the court’s decision.
“The PDP remains firmly committed to the principles of internal democracy, due process, fairness and strict adherence to its Constitution, Electoral Guidelines and the applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
