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

Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed, ruling on Thursday in two suits filed by Khamisu Mailantarki and Usman Garry, ordered the PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primary within 30 days.

The court held that the process that produced Pantami failed to comply with the party’s procedures and applicable electoral laws, leading to the exclusion of some aspirants who had been screened and cleared to contest.

Pantami emerged as the PDP candidate through a voice affirmation at the party’s May 2026 primary after withdrawing from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race over alleged irregularities in its primary. He subsequently defected to the PDP.

The plaintiffs had also sought Pantami’s removal from the PDP, arguing that he remained an APC member, but the court declined to grant the request.

Counsel to the parties expressed satisfaction with the judgment.

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