Former Commissioner Dumps APC
A former Commissioner of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission, Muhammad Ismail City, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress and declared support for the Peoples Democratic Party governorship ambition of former Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Professor Isa Ali Pantami.
City, who is also a former Executive Chairman of Akko Local Government Area, announced his decision during a meeting with Pantami at his office on Saturday.
The former commissioner said his decision was based on his assessment of the political situation in Gombe State and his belief that the state needed a leader with integrity, administrative experience and a clear development plan.
He said his experience in grassroots administration and electoral management had helped him understand the qualities required to provide effective leadership in the state.
City described Gombe as being at a critical point, saying the state needed a leader with integrity, international exposure and proven leadership experience.
A statement issued by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement quoted City as saying that Pantami had the qualities needed to take Gombe into a new phase of development.
He pointed to Pantami’s previous roles as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy as evidence of his ability in innovation, institutional reforms and strategic leadership.
City also praised Pantami’s background as a scholar and his contributions to human capital development, youth empowerment and infrastructure.
According to him, Pantami’s proposed agenda could help modernise agriculture, strengthen education and expand economic opportunities for people across the state.
City said his decision to support Pantami followed his close observation of the political situation and the demands of residents across Gombe.
He also urged his political associates, stakeholders in Akko Local Government Area and other residents of the state to support Pantami’s governorship ambition.
The former council chairman expressed confidence that Gombe would make progress in security, economic development and social unity if Pantami becomes governor.
His defection and endorsement are expected to add to the political realignments taking place in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
