By Luminous JannamikeABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will conduct a fresh governorship primary in Gombe State after a Federal High Court sitting in Gombe nullified the earlier exercise that produced former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
With the earlier primary now voided by the court, the party’s governorship ticket is effectively back up for grabs as the PDP begins the process of organising another contest
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, on Thursday said the party had noted the judgment and would comply with the court’s directives.
“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,” Jungudo said
The party said it would carefully study the judgment and take the necessary steps to implement the court’s order, while insisting that the fresh exercise would be conducted in line with its Constitution, Electoral Guidelines and applicable laws
“The Party 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 said
The PDP said preparations for the fresh primary would now commence, although it did not give a date for the exercise
“Accordingly, the Party will commence the necessary processes towards the conduct of a fresh Governorship Primary in Gombe State in compliance with the judgment,” Jungudo said
It said the date, timetable and other details would be communicated to aspirants, stakeholders, party members and the general public once the necessary arrangements had been concluded
The party also urged its members and supporters in Gombe State to remain calm and united while the process is being worked out
“The PDP calls on all its members, supporters and stakeholders in Gombe State to remain calm, law-abiding and united as the Party takes the necessary steps to implement the judgment,” Jungudo said