The Federal High Court sitting in Gombe has nullified the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for Gombe State in the 2027 election.

Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, in a ruling on Thursday, ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primary within 30 days.

The judgment followed separate suits filed by Khamisu Mailantarki and Usman Garry, who challenged the process through which Pantami emerged as the party’s candidate.

The court held that the process did not comply with the PDP’s laid-down procedures and applicable electoral laws, leading to the exclusion of some aspirants who had been screened and cleared to participate in the primary.

Pantami emerged as the PDP candidate through a voice affirmation at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026.

The former minister had earlier contested for the APC governorship ticket but withdrew from the race, citing alleged irregularities in the party’s primary process. He later joined the PDP and secured its governorship ticket.

The plaintiffs had also asked the court to remove Pantami as a member of the PDP, arguing that he remained a member of the APC. However, the court declined to grant that request.

Instead, the court ordered the PDP to organise a fresh governorship primary within 30 days.

Counsel representing the parties have expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.

Pantami served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.