Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed issued the ruling on Thursday, following a suit filed by Usman Aliyu Garry, who challenged the process through which Pantami emerged as the PDP鈥檚 candidate. Garry argued that the party did not conduct a proper primary election in accordance with its rules and relevant electoral laws.
The PDP had announced Pantami as its sole governorship candidate on 26 June 2026. Pantami had previously sought the governorship ticket of the APC but later joined the PDP after the APC endorsed Jamilu Gwamna as its candidate.
In her ruling, the judge ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh primary in line with the party鈥檚 constitution and applicable electoral laws. The ruling therefore puts the PDP鈥檚 governorship ticket in Gombe back into the primary-election process.
Khalil Ibrahim Yaro
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