Forum for Justice, MURIC Back Pantami, Reject Gombe APC Consensus Arrangement
Two advocacy groups, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the Forum for Justice of Nigeria, have thrown their weight behind former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, while criticising the reported consensus arrangement adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The groups, in separate statements issued in Abuja, described the alleged consensus process as undemocratic and inconsistent with the principles of internal party democracy, urging the APC leadership to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection of candidates.
MURIC, in a statement signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, rejected the reported consensus arrangement, describing it as a “kangaroo” exercise allegedly conducted without the participation or knowledge of Pantami, whom it identified as one of the leading aspirants in the contest.
According to the organisation, any consensus arrangement that excludes critical aspirants violates democratic principles as well as provisions of the Electoral Act.
“Reports indicate that Gombe State APC organised a lopsided ‘consensus’ arrangement in the absence of, and without the knowledge of, at least one of the major contending candidates, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami,” the statement said.
“This is unfair, parochial, undemocratic and therefore unacceptable. A level playing field must be provided for all interested candidates in the name of fairness, justice and equity.”
MURIC argued that a valid consensus could only emerge where all aspirants voluntarily agreed in writing to step down, insisting that failure to secure such consent renders the process defective.
“Arrival at a consensus candidate can only be valid if all cleared aspirants provide written consent to step down. If even one aspirant refuses, the party must revert to a direct primary,” the group stated.
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The organisation further expressed concern over reports that both Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the purported consensus candidate hail from the same Jekadafari Ward, warning that such an arrangement could generate political discontent across the state.
MURIC also contrasted Pantami’s loyalty to the APC with what it described as the history of political defections by the preferred aspirant.
“Unlike Professor Pantami who has an indomitable pedigree in the party, the candidate who was picked has been virtually in all political parties in Gombe State. Why pick a perennial ship-jumper?” the statement queried.
The Islamic rights group maintained that Pantami enjoys significant grassroots support, particularly through the “Pantamiya movement,” which it said could deliver electoral victory for the APC.
“With a professor in the saddle, Gombe State is on the verge of becoming the leading light in the education sector in Northern Nigeria,” MURIC added.
Similarly, the Forum for Justice of Nigeria commended Pantami for what it described as his principled stand on justice, internal democracy, and peaceful political engagement.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Professor Ahmad Adamu, the Forum praised Pantami’s recent interview on BBC Hausa, describing his comments on internal democracy and justice as vital to Nigeria’s political stability.
“Nigeria needs more people who are peaceful and committed to justice. His statements on the need for internal democracy and internal justice are crucial to the success and stability of Nigeria as a country,” the statement read.
“We commend Pantami for standing for justice peacefully and legally.”
The Forum also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting democratic principles within political parties, particularly through support for direct primaries where genuine consensus cannot be achieved.
According to the group, the president’s position demonstrates commitment to fairness and inclusiveness in the political process.
The organisation, however, urged Tinubu to ensure that any direct primary conducted by political parties remains free, fair, and transparent.
“Any governor who is biased should not be allowed to get involved, as he is an interested party,” Professor Adamu stated.
Both organisations called on the APC leadership to uphold due process and ensure equal opportunities for all aspirants as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By PRNigeria
