A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the credibility of its governorship primaries in Gombe State will determine the party’s internal stability and public confidence in democracy.
Pantami gave the warning on Saturday while speaking with journalists after participating in the APC governorship aspirants’ screening exercise held at the Kaduna State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.
The former minister, who has opposed the reported consensus arrangement in Gombe State, stressed that transparent and fair primaries remain essential for the party to maintain legitimacy among members and Nigerians.
His position follows controversy surrounding the endorsement of Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna as a consensus candidate — an arrangement Pantami had earlier described as a “charade,” vowing to resist through democratic means.
Speaking after the screening, Pantami said the decision of the party’s national leadership to screen all aspirants indicated a willingness to uphold fairness.
“Since we were invited for screening, it is an indication that the party at the national level has given each and every Nigerian a fair chance,” he said.
He noted that the future of the APC as a political platform depends largely on the credibility of its internal processes, adding that internal democracy and justice are critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system.
According to him, the adoption of direct primaries can only strengthen the party if conducted transparently and without manipulation.
“Direct primaries must be transparent, fair and independent. Anyone with bias should not be in charge of it,” Pantami stated.
He described the screening exercise as encouraging and commended the committee for professionalism.
“Very transparent, very objective, very friendly, and it is really encouraging so far,” he added.
Pantami also said his governorship ambition is anchored on verifiable performance rather than campaign promises, citing his record in public service.
“I have my scorecard. This is not the first time I am going into public office,” he said.
He further claimed that independent assessments by KPMG, the FCDO and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ranked him among the top-performing cabinet members during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2023.
Meanwhile, the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bauchi governorship aspirant, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described his own screening as smooth.
Tuggar said his long-standing involvement in the APC and its legacy parties made the process straightforward.
He, however, expressed doubt over the possibility of adopting a consensus candidate in Bauchi State, noting that the increasing number of aspirants may make such an arrangement unlikely.
The aspirant urged the party to prioritise credible and grassroots-oriented politicians in selecting its candidates ahead of the elections.
