By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Published: July 12, 2026 | Politics | Gombe State, Nigeria
A Federal High Court sitting in Gombe State has reserved judgment in a legal challenge against the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The suit was instituted by Usman Aliyu Garry, who is contesting the legality of Pantami’s participation in the PDP governorship primary following his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During Friday’s proceedings before Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, counsel to the PDP, Barrister S. M. Yusuf, informed the court that his motion had been regularised through an oral application. He subsequently urged the court to strike out the suit, arguing that it was incompetent under the provisions of Section 115 of the Evidence Act.
Counsel to Professor Pantami, Barrister Tunde Falola, also adopted his preliminary objection and maintained that documents presented before the court showed that Pantami formally resigned from the APC on May 19, 2026, before participating in the PDP governorship primary election.
Responding on behalf of the plaintiff, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Eko Ejembi Eko, informed the court that the plaintiff had filed counter-affidavits, responses to the preliminary objections and documentary exhibits opposing the applications brought by the defendants, including the PDP, Pantami and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The plaintiff urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objections, insisting that the suit was competent and deserving of judicial determination. He also requested that costs be awarded against the defendants.
After hearing arguments from all parties, Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed reserved judgment and stated that a date for the ruling would be communicated to the parties.
The court’s decision is expected to have significant political implications as Gombe State prepares for the 2027 governorship election.
Keywords: Isa Pantami, Gombe State, PDP, APC, Federal High Court, INEC, Governorship Election, Nigerian Politics, 2027 Elections.
Reporter: SUNTV Global Channel Political Correspondent.
