2027 Gombe Race: Emir’s 2019 Letter Praising Pantami Resurfaces as Governorship Contest Intensifies
2027 Gombe Race: Emir’s 2019 Letter Praising Pantami Resurfaces as Governorship Contest Intensifies
A 2019 letter written by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, commending the contributions of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has resurfaced online amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.
The letter, dated December 30, 2019, has gained traction across social media platforms and political circles as contenders position themselves for what is expected to be one of the most competitive governorship contests in the state’s history.
In the letter addressed to Pantami during his tenure as minister, the Emir praised him for facilitating federal appointments for qualified indigenes of Gombe State and for championing digital development initiatives that benefitted the state.
The traditional ruler specifically expressed appreciation for the appointments of Prof. Mohammed Bello Abubakar as Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Dr. Abubakar Sa’id as Chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Mohammed Sa’id Kumo as a NITDA board member, and Hadi Mohammed as Executive Director (Administration) of NigComSat.
The Emir described Pantami as a leader who consistently promoted the interests of Gombe State at the federal level and acknowledged his contributions to digital infrastructure development and youth empowerment.
“Your outstanding record at NITDA speaks for itself, among which include equipping and networking over 55 schools with state-of-the-art ICT facilities across our state and providing jobs to our teeming youth,” the Emir stated in the letter.
He further commended Pantami for maintaining cordial relations with the Gombe Emirate Council and for carrying traditional institutions along in his developmental initiatives.
“We are proud of your achievements and we are confident that you will achieve even more,” the monarch wrote, while assuring the minister of his continued support and prayers.
The resurfacing of the letter comes months after Pantami withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, citing alleged irregularities and non-compliance with electoral guidelines.
In a widely publicised statement issued through the Pantamiyya Movement, the former minister said his withdrawal was a protest against what he described as violations of the Electoral Act and the absence of a transparent framework for conducting credible direct primaries.
Despite stepping aside from the APC primary process and going PDP where he emerged the consensus gubernatorial candidate, Pantami remains one of the most influential political figures in Gombe, particularly among youths, professionals and grassroots supporters associated with the Pantamiyya Movement.
His political strength is largely attributed to his extensive following built over decades as an Islamic scholar, academic, former Director-General of NITDA and federal minister. Supporters also point to his track record in digital transformation, job creation and human capital development.
Meanwhile, the 2027 governorship contest in Gombe is gradually taking shape, with several influential figures emerging as major contenders.
Among them is Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the APC governorship candidate anointed Governor Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe State, whose growing support base has been bolstered by endorsements from business communities and thousands of former beneficiaries of employment opportunities created during his tenure at Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Other aspirants and political blocs across the major parties are also expected to intensify consultations and alliances as the race gathers momentum.
The eventual outcome of the election may depend on several factors, including party cohesion, grassroots mobilisation, regional balancing, youth participation and the ability of candidates to convert personal popularity into electoral support.
With the resurfaced royal endorsement adding another dimension to the political conversation, the coming months are expected to witness increased scrutiny of the records, achievements and political capital of all major contenders seeking to succeed Governor Inuwa Yahaya in 2027.
By TimesNG