PHOTO: How Prof Pantami, Engr kale Kawu Received PDP Certificates of Return for Gombe, Kwara Governorship Races
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and retired Director of Rural Electrification Agency, Engineer Suleiman Bolakale Kawu, have officially received their Certificates of Return as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates for Gombe and Kwara states respectively ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The certificates were presented at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja by the party’s National Chairman, Ambassador Abdulrahman Mohammed, during the meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the inauguration of the PDP National Executive Committee for the 2026–2030 tenure.
The ceremony brought together party leaders, stakeholders and supporters from across the country as the PDP formally handed Certificates of Return to governorship candidates whose nominations have been recognised and published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The presentation officially confirms Pantami and Kawu as the PDP standard-bearers in Gombe and Kwara States respectively, setting the stage for what is expected to be keenly contested governorship elections in 2027.
Professor Pantami, a globally recognised cybersecurity scholar and Islamic cleric, served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy from 2019 to 2023, where he spearheaded the country’s digital transformation agenda. During his tenure, Nigeria recorded significant growth in broadband penetration, digital identity enrolment, technology innovation, startup development and e-government initiatives. He also championed the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, earning national and international recognition for advancing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Beyond public service, Pantami has built a distinguished academic career as a professor of Cybersecurity and a respected researcher with numerous publications in digital technology, artificial intelligence and information security. His emergence as the PDP candidate has heightened political interest in Gombe State, where supporters believe his technocratic credentials, grassroots appeal and extensive network across the state could reshape the contest for the governorship.
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In Kwara State, Engineer Suleiman Bolakale Kawu enters the race with decades of experience in the public service, particularly in eletrical engineering. Widely regarded as a seasoned administrator, philanthropist and grassroots politician, Kawu has served in several strategic positions within the the sector before retiring as a director.
His emergence as the consensus PDP governorship candidate followed what party leaders described as a transparent and credible nomination process, positioning him to lead the opposition’s campaign to reclaim Kwara State in 2027.
Speaking after receiving his Certificate of Return, Kawu described the occasion as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the PDP and the people of Kwara State.
“Today, I officially received my Certificate of Return as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the Kwara State governorship election. This milestone represents the trust of our great party, the support of our people and a renewed commitment to the journey ahead.
“I am deeply grateful for the confidence placed in me, and I remain committed to working with our party, our people and all stakeholders towards achieving a greater Kwara.
“Together, we move forward with renewed hope, unity and determination to deliver the progress and development our people deserve,” he said.
Kawu also thanked the PDP leadership for conducting what he described as a transparent nomination process and pledged that his campaign would be anchored on inclusiveness, service, accountability and people-centred development.
Although Pantami did not deliver a public address during the presentation, party supporters described his formal recognition as the beginning of an intensive campaign aimed at returning the PDP to power in Gombe State.
Political observers believe the emergence of both Pantami and Kawu has added fresh momentum to the PDP’s preparations for the 2027 elections, with the party banking on their professional accomplishments, public service records and grassroots support to strengthen its electoral prospects in the two states.
The presentation of the Certificates of Return marks a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship elections as the candidates begin consultations, mobilisation and campaigns across their respective states.
By PRNigeria
