Hamma Saleh heads to court over PDP guber ticket in Gombe

Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, a leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State and a governorship aspirant, has rejected the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as the party’s governorship candidate in the state. Speaking to journalists at his residence in Gombe, Hamma Saleh […]

Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, a leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State and a governorship aspirant, has rejected the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Gombe, Hamma Saleh described the development as a breach of internal party processes, alleging that due consultation and transparency were not observed in the selection of the candidate.
He stated that he and other aspirants had remained loyal to the party for years, emphasizing that he had purchased the nomination form and complied with all guidelines for the governorship race, only to be taken by surprise by the announcement of Pantami as the party’s flag bearer.
According to him, there was no prior communication or clear explanation regarding Pantami’s entry into the party and subsequent emergence as its candidate—a situation he said has created tension and dissatisfaction among key stakeholders.
Hamma Saleh maintained that he would seek redress through legal means, insisting that he remains a committed member of the PDP and will pursue all lawful options to protect his political interests.

He further noted that Pantami was widely known as a former member of the All Provinces Congress (APC), where he also contested for the governorship ticket without success.

“If he felt he was not treated fairly in the APC, fairness should also be extended to others here in the PDP,” he said.

The development highlights growing internal disputes within the Gombe State chapter of the PDP following the emergence of its governorship candidate, with tensions expected to shape the party’s political direction ahead of the general elections.