The Federal High Court in Gombe has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct a fresh primary election for its Gombe State governorship ticket, nullifying the previous emergence of Prof. Isa Ali Pantami.

Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed issued the ruling following a legal challenge brought by party member Usman Aliyu Garry. Garry contested the process that led to Pantami being announced as the party’s sole candidate on June 26, 2026, arguing that a valid primary election was never legally conducted.

Pantami, a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, had initially sought the governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He defected to the PDP after the APC chose Jamilu Gwamna as its consensus candidate. Following his switch, Pantami was declared the PDP candidate via voice affirmation during a primary exercise held in May.

In her judgment, Justice Mohammed ruled that the initial process fell short of statutory requirements and party guidelines, directing the PDP to organize a new primary in strict accordance with electoral laws.