The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has dismissed claims that former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, has resigned from the party, insisting that he remains a bona fide member.
The party said no valid resignation process has been completed by Pantami, despite reports linking him to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and suggesting he had emerged as the opposition party’s governorship candidate following recent primaries.
The position was made known on Tuesday during a press briefing in Gombe, where party officials addressed what they described as growing controversy over Pantami’s alleged political realignment.
Speaking at the briefing, APC State Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, said the party’s ward leadership neither received nor processed any resignation letter from the former minister.
He said the narrative surrounding Pantami’s alleged exit lacked procedural backing and official recognition within the party structure.
Kyari disclosed that 25 of the 27 members of the relevant ward executive committee rejected the claim that Pantami had resigned from the APC, describing the reports as unfounded and unauthorised.
“The ward executive committee never received or deliberated on any valid resignation from Professor Pantami,” he said.
“Our members have clearly stated that the resignation narrative being circulated does not reflect the reality within the party structure.”
He further argued that the purported resignation did not comply with provisions of the APC constitution, the Electoral Act, and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, ward officials acknowledged the existence of a letter dated May 19, 2026, but said it was allegedly delivered on May 23 through an intermediary, without direct engagement with party officials.
He said this raised questions about the authenticity and validity of the process.
“The circumstances surrounding the letter leave several unanswered questions,” Kyari said. “Those expected to handle such a process were neither properly engaged nor granted access to the document.”
The APC maintained that Pantami’s membership status remains valid until all constitutional requirements for resignation are fully met and officially verified by the appropriate party organs.
Kyari also dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu endorsed Pantami’s alleged defection to the PDP, describing the claim as misleading and inconsistent with the President’s position on strengthening the APC.
He also highlighted the achievements of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya’s administration, citing improvements in infrastructure, governance, and political stability in the state.
The party called on its national leadership and the Presidency to address what it described as misinformation surrounding the matter and provide clarity to members and the public.
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and due process, stressing that party unity remains a priority ahead of future elections.