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A new political dispute has flared up in Gombe State, centering around the party allegiance of Isa Pantami, a former federal minister and now the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This conflict involves both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), each asserting conflicting claims about Pantami's current political status.

The controversy began when the PDP claimed that Pantami had officially left the APC and joined their ranks, fulfilling all necessary steps to become a legitimate member of the opposition party. In response, the APC denied these allegations, arguing that Pantami still holds membership within their party unless specific formal procedures are completed and verified. According to the APC, these procedures include submitting a written resignation and ensuring that it is acknowledged by the relevant party structures.

During a press conference held in Gombe, the APC's State Publicity Secretary, Moses Bolde, emphasized that the party had not received any official documentation confirming Pantami's resignation. He noted that 25 out of the 27 members of the APC Executive Committee in Pantami's Ward had explicitly stated that they were unaware of any such resignation letter. They maintained that any claims of Pantami's departure from the APC were fabricated without their knowledge or consent.

Bolde mentioned that the Ward Chairman, Bala Galda, had reportedly received a letter supposedly submitted by Pantami on May 23, though the document itself was dated May 19 and delivered by someone named Abba Pantami. Despite multiple requests from the Ward Executive Committee, a copy of the alleged resignation letter has not been provided for verification.

The APC spokesperson further refuted claims that Pantami had the support of President Bola Tinubu for his switch to the PDP and his bid for the governorship. He asserted that President Tinubu is a loyal member of the APC and would not endorse actions detrimental to the party's interests or unity.

On the other hand, the PDP responded by affirming that Pantami had indeed resigned from the APC and met all criteria required for becoming a PDP member. Their Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Dukku, presented documentary evidence supporting Pantami's transition to the PDP. He criticized the APC's stance as baseless, indicating a lack of understanding of the Electoral Act and the constitutional framework governing political affiliations.

Dukku pointed out that the APC's Ward Chairman had acknowledged receiving Pantami's resignation letter on May 19, a detail that had since gained traction on social media. The PDP urged the public to disregard what they deemed misleading information about Pantami's political status, emphasizing that the facts clearly indicate his formal exit from the APC.

This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of political transitions and the importance of adhering to established procedures for changing party allegiances. It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in political matters, especially concerning high-profile figures like Pantami whose moves can significantly influence regional politics. Both parties are likely to continue their respective arguments, possibly leading to further legal or administrative interventions to resolve the matter definitively.