Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has expressed confidence in his ability to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for Gombe State. He cites a series of internal polls that consistently rank him at the top among the candidates. In an interview on Sunday’s edition of TVC, Pantami emphasized that his optimism is based on “strong evidence” rather than mere personal opinion. He referenced thirteen separate surveys, which include both physical and online questionnaires, asserting that these results support his position as the leading aspirant. “You cannot counter evidence with an opinion,” he stated, encouraging observers to independently verify the findings.
Additionally, Pantami underscored his long-standing involvement with the APC, noting that President Bola Tinubu appointed him as a special adviser for the 2023 election campaign and referred to him as a “party leader.” He traced his party credentials back to the 2010 merger of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which laid the foundation for the current ruling coalition. Discussing his appeal to voters, Pantami linked his popularity to his tenure as minister, asserting, “During my time as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, I did my best for Nigeria in general and for Gombe in particular.” He added that his contributions have earned him “the love and appreciation of the people.”
Pantami’s comments come as the APC prepares for its primary elections for the 2023 governorship contests across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Gombe, a key northern state, has become a battleground for several high-profile politicians vying for the party’s nomination. Analysts note that while internal party polls can provide insights, they are not definitive predictors of primary outcomes, particularly in a party where consensus-building and delegate negotiations are essential. Nevertheless, Pantami’s emphasis on documented survey results indicates a strategic shift toward data-driven campaigning within the APC. If his claims prove accurate, a victory in the party primary could position him among the frontrunners for the 2023 gubernatorial elections, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Gombe State. The APC is expected to announce its final list of candidates later this month, after which the official primary schedule will be confirmed.
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