Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Isa Pantami has said he is confident of securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for Gombe State, citing a series of internal polls that, he claims, place him at the top of the field.
Speaking on Sunday’s edition of TVC, Pantami explained that his optimism is grounded in “strong evidence” rather than personal opinion. He referred to thirteen separate surveys – a mix of physical and online questionnaires – that, according to the former minister, consistently ranked him first among aspirants. “You cannot counter evidence with an opinion,” he asserted, urging observers to verify the results independently.
Pantami also highlighted his longstanding involvement with the APC. He noted that President Bola Tinubu appointed him as a special adviser on the 2023 election campaign and addressed him as a “party leader.” Pantami traced his party credentials back to the 2010 merger of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which formed the foundation of the current ruling coalition.
When asked about his appeal to voters, Pantami linked his popularity to his tenure as minister. “During my time as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, I did my best for Nigeria in general and for Gombe in particular,” he said, adding that his modest contributions have earned him “the love and appreciation of the people.”
The former minister’s comments come as the APC prepares to conduct 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 seeking the party’s nomination.
Analysts note that internal party polls, while indicative, are not definitive predictors of primary outcomes, especially in a party where consensus-building and delegate negotiations play a significant role. Nevertheless, Pantami’s emphasis on documented survey results marks a strategic shift toward data‑driven campaigning within the APC.
If Pantami’s claim holds true, his victory in the party primary would place 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.
