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APC, PDP trade words over Pantami’s political membership status

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A fresh controversy has erupted in Gombe State over the political status of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party laid conflicting claims to his party membership.

The dispute followed Pantami’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, after the APC primary election produced Jamilu Gwamna as its candidate.

The Gombe State chapter of the PDP insisted that Pantami had validly resigned from the APC and is now a bona fide member of the opposition party.

The APC, however, maintained that the former minister remains its member because due process was allegedly not followed in effecting his resignation.

Addressing journalists in Gombe on Tuesday, the APC Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, said the party’s executive committee in Pantami Ward had earlier clarified that it neither received nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by Pantami.

“As you may recall, 25 out of the 27 members of the ward executive committee publicly stated that they neither saw nor deliberated on any resignation letter purportedly submitted by Professor Ali Isa Pantami.

“They maintained that the claim was merely a fabrication orchestrated without the knowledge or approval of the ward executive committee,” Kyari said.

According to him, the ward chairman, Alhaji Bala Galda, disclosed that the alleged resignation letter was received on May 23, 2026, despite being dated May 19, and was delivered by one Abba Pantami.

“Despite repeated requests, members of the ward executive committee have not been provided with a copy of the said letter,” Kyari stated.

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He argued that under the provisions of the APC Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines and the Electoral Act, Pantami remained an APC member until the prescribed procedures were completed and verified.

“It is, therefore, our position that Professor Ali Isa Pantami remains a member of the APC until all due processes are properly followed and verified,” he said.

Kyari also dismissed claims allegedly made by Pantami during a televised interview on TVC that his defection to the PDP and governorship ambition had the blessing of President Bola Tinubu.

“We categorically reject this assertion. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a committed leader of the APC and has consistently demonstrated loyalty to the party. It is difficult to believe that the President would endorse activities that are contrary to the interests and unity of the APC,” he said.

He called on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify the issue to prevent misinformation.

“We, therefore, call on the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to publicly clarify and dispel these claims in order to prevent misinformation and avoid misleading the people,” Kyari added.

However, in a swift response contained in a statement signed by its state Public Relations Officer, Abdulkadir Dukku, the PDP dismissed the APC’s position, insisting that Pantami had fulfilled all constitutional and legal requirements for membership of the opposition party.

“We wish to categorically state that Professor Pantami is a bona fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party, having duly complied with all the constitutional and legal requirements for membership of our party,” the PDP said.

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The party further stated that it possessed documentary evidence confirming Pantami’s resignation from the APC.

“The PDP possesses all relevant documents confirming his resignation from his former party, acknowledged by his then ward chairman,” the statement read.

According to the PDP, the APC chairman in Pantami Ward personally acknowledged Pantami’s resignation letter on May 19, 2026.

“The chairman of APC in Pantami Ward acknowledged Pantami’s resignation letter in person on May 19, 2026, and subsequently posted it on social media, where it went viral,” the party added.

The opposition party described the APC’s repeated press briefings on the matter as unnecessary.

“It should be noted that this is the third time the APC has organised a press conference on the same issue, despite the facts being clear and well documented,” the statement said.

The PDP urged the ruling party to focus on preparations for the forthcoming elections rather than what it described as distractions.

“Consequently, we urge the APC in Gombe State to focus on preparing for the forthcoming general election instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions,” it stated.

The party also argued that the Constitution and the Electoral Act guarantee freedom of association.

“If the APC lacks confidence in its candidate, it should address its internal concerns instead of insisting that Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami must remain in the party.

“After all, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act guarantee freedom of association,” the PDP said.

It added that the APC still had the opportunity, within the electoral process, to make decisions regarding its candidature if it believed its candidate could not effectively compete against Pantami.

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Reaffirming its stance ahead of the elections, the PDP said it remained committed to issue-based campaigns and providing credible leadership to the people of Gombe State.

“The PDP remains committed to issue-based campaigns and to providing the people of Gombe State with credible leadership, development and good governance,” the statement concluded.

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SEE FULL LIST: Lagos, Rivers, 10 other states Tinubu may join APC rallies

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The All Progressives Congress has outlined a proposed nationwide campaign rally schedule covering the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The proposed campaign is scheduled to kick off in Kaduna on October 24, 2026, and conclude with a grand rally in Lagos on January 9, 2027.

The itinerary identifies 12 strategic locations where President Bola Tinubu is expected to join the party’s presidential campaign activities, with rallies planned across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Here is the full list of the 12 states proposed for Tinubu’s presidential campaign appearances.

According to the proposed schedule, the 12 locations and dates are as follows:

1. Kaduna, Kaduna State — October 24, 2026 (Saturday)
2. Port Harcourt, Rivers State — November 7, 2026 (Saturday)
3. Jos, Plateau State — November 14, 2026 (Saturday)
4. Ibadan, Oyo State — November 21, 2026 (Saturday)
5. Maiduguri, Borno State — November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
6. Enugu, Enugu State — November 28, 2026 (Saturday)
7. Bauchi, Bauchi State — November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
8. Sokoto, Sokoto State — December 4, 2026 (Friday)
9. Asaba, Delta State — December 12, 2026 (Saturday)
10. Kano, Kano State — December 17, 2026 (Thursday)
11. Yola, Adamawa State — January 4, 2027 (Monday)
12. Lagos, Lagos State — January 9, 2027 (Saturday)

Kaduna to Host Opening Rally

Kaduna is listed as the starting point of the proposed nationwide campaign tour, with the opening rally scheduled for October 24, 2026.

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From Kaduna, the campaign is expected to move to Port Harcourt in Rivers State on November 7, followed by Jos in Plateau State on November 14 and Ibadan in Oyo State on November 21.

The itinerary then lists Maiduguri, Borno State, for November 25, before moving to Enugu on November 28 and Bauchi on November 29.

December Rallies Across Four States

The proposed schedule continues into December with rallies in Sokoto on December 4, Asaba in Delta State on December 12 and Kano on December 17.

The campaign is then scheduled to resume in January 2027, with Yola in Adamawa State listed for January 4.

Lagos to Host Grand Finale

Lagos State is designated as the venue for the proposed grand finale on January 9, 2027.

The rally would mark the scheduled conclusion of the nationwide campaign itinerary, following the opening event in Kaduna in October 2026.

The proposed schedule covers 12 locations across different regions of the country as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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Dave Umahi inaugurates APC infrastructure campaign team ahead of 2027 elections

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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has inaugurated members of the Office of the Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.

Umahi, who serves as DDG, Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation for the council, said the team would identify, document and publicise infrastructure projects being executed by the Federal Government across the country.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting in Abuja on Thursday, he said the initiative was aimed at strengthening coordination, infrastructure communication, mobilisation and public sensitisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“The team’s primary responsibility is to identify, document, compile, and publicise infrastructure projects the Federal Government is executing across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Although the Federal Ministry of Works accounts for a significant proportion of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investments, the team’s coverage should extend to other MDAs.

“This is to ensure a comprehensive account of infrastructure development across the six geopolitical zones of the country.”

Umahi said the Senior Special Assistants to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement for the six geopolitical zones who also appointed as Zonal Coordinators, other members of the ODDG, alongside the Secretary, should work collaboratively.

This, he said, was to identify and document relevant infrastructure projects within their respective zones.

He emphasised that the compilation should cover projects executed by the Federal Ministry of Works, as well as infrastructure initiatives undertaken by other MDAs.

He said this was to provide a comprehensive overview of infrastructure investments and the developmental strides of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu, across the length and breadth of the country.

The minister clarified that existing publicity activities between the Ministry of Works and the senior special assistants would continue.

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He added that the new office would provide a broader framework for coordinating information on infrastructure projects undertaken by other MDAs at zonal, sub-national and national levels.

According to him, accurate documentation and effective communication will make information on government infrastructure investments more accessible to Nigerians.

Umahi described infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth, national development and community integration.

“Infrastructure investment stimulates economic activities, connects communities, creates opportunities and supports the growth of other sectors of the economy,” he said.

He also highlighted the Federal Government’s adoption of continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology in road construction, saying it would reduce dependence on imported bitumen and promote the use of local resources and expertise.

The minister said the technology would support local economic activities, reduce foreign exchange demand associated with imported road construction material and promote more durable infrastructure delivery.

He urged members of the office to ensure that information on infrastructure projects was accurately compiled and effectively disseminated to the public.

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INEC begins early logistics planning for 2027 elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has inaugurated a multi-agency electoral logistics committee for the 2027 general elections, warning that no Nigerian should be disenfranchised because of delays in the arrival of election materials.

The commission also charged the National Orientation Agency to intensify grassroots mobilisation against voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence ahead of the elections scheduled for January 16 and February 6, 2027.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the committee and the flag-off of the NOA’s nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign.

Amupitan said the logistics committee would strengthen the commission’s operational capacity and ensure the timely deployment of personnel and election materials across the country.

He said the decision to adopt a multi-agency approach was informed by the complexities of transporting election materials across Nigeria’s diverse geographical terrain.

“Today’s inauguration of the Electoral Logistics Committee marks a proactive step in ensuring that the 2027 General Election is defined by seamless execution and operational excellence,” the INEC chairman said.

He named a National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (retd.), as chairperson of the committee, which comprises representatives of security agencies, transport unions and relevant government institutions.

Amupitan said the credibility of an election depended significantly on whether voters found their polling units open, equipped and ready at the appointed time.

“Election logistics involve the intricate movement of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials by land, sea and air. It requires precision, security and timeliness. This is why we are starting early,” he said.

The committee is expected to assess the commission’s logistics requirements, develop a comprehensive plan for storing, distributing, deploying and retrieving election materials, and audit the readiness of warehouses, vehicles, airports and seaports.

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It will also identify operational gaps, recommend corrective measures, monitor compliance with approved logistics schedules and develop strategies to address transportation bottlenecks, shortages and security threats.

Other responsibilities include coordinating the secure movement of materials through road, air and maritime channels, liaising with government agencies and transport unions, and submitting periodic reports to the commission.

Amupitan said Nigeria’s geographical diversity required a flexible and resilient logistics framework capable of addressing weather conditions, difficult terrain and security challenges.

“We must anticipate the weather, the terrain and the security environment to ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised due to late arrival of materials,” he said.

He described preparations for the 2027 elections as “a marathon, not a sprint,” adding that early planning was necessary to deliver a transparent, efficient and credible electoral process.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Malafa said its mandate included reviewing previous elections, identifying operational weaknesses and developing strategies to ensure the timely deployment of personnel and materials.

She said the committee would focus on airlift operations, cargo handling, land and maritime transportation, storage facilities and security arrangements.

According to her, the committee would also map difficult terrain, security-challenged areas and crisis-prone locations to enable the development of customised transportation and security arrangements.

Malafa said the committee could establish specialised subcommittees to handle airlift, land transportation, maritime transportation, storage and security operations.

She stressed that effective coordination among participating agencies would be essential to achieving the committee’s objectives.

Meanwhile, at the flag-off of the NOA’s nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign, Amupitan charged the agency’s leadership and field officers to take voter education messages to communities across the country.

He urged the officials to extend the campaign to traditional palaces, markets, places of worship, campuses and village squares in all 774 local government areas.

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The INEC chairman identified voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence as major threats to the credibility of the 2027 elections.

On voter apathy, he said citizens who failed to vote surrendered their democratic power to others, urging Nigerians to verify their registration status, collect their Permanent Voter Cards and participate peacefully in the elections.

“Do not wait until election week to get involved. Check your registration status, collect your PVCs now, stay informed, come out on Election Day, vote peacefully according to your conscience, and protect your community from violence,” he said.

Amupitan assured voters that their ballots would be accurately counted and reflected in the final results, citing the commission’s use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing portal.

He also condemned vote buying, describing it as an attack on constitutional democracy.

The chairman said INEC had reconfigured polling unit layouts to protect ballot secrecy and prevent voters from displaying their marked ballots to party agents or individuals attempting to influence their choices with money.

He added that the commission was working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to monitor financial activities around polling units and apprehend those involved in vote buying.

On electoral violence, Amupitan warned political actors against resorting to violence, hate speech and other actions capable of undermining peaceful participation.

“No political ambition justifies the shedding of blood or the destruction of property,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the use of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes to incite ethnic and religious conflict, urging political parties, candidates and youth groups to embrace peace and resolve electoral disputes through lawful channels.

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The INEC chairman further called on political parties to campaign on issues rather than resort to hate speech or vote buying, while urging civil society organisations and the media to fact-check viral claims and promote accurate electoral information.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the campaign would be implemented through the agency’s directorates in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers in the 774 local government areas.

He said the campaign would be non-partisan and would use community dialogues, local-language communication, radio discussions, drama, audio messages and digital platforms to reach Nigerians.

Issa-Onilu said voter apathy reduced public participation, vote buying undermined freedom of choice, while electoral violence threatened lives and damaged relationships within communities.

“No political ambition should cost a Nigerian life. No disagreement should destroy the bonds between neighbours. No temporary inducement should determine a citizen’s choice about our collective future,” he said.

The NOA director-general called for continued technical collaboration with INEC, including timely access to verified voter education materials and coordination across national, state and local structures.

He said the campaign, themed “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence. Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027”, was designed to encourage greater citizen participation and peaceful elections.

The event was attended by INEC national commissioners, representatives of security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and representatives of youth, women and persons with disabilities.

Source: punchng.com

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