Gombe 2027: Drama as Gwamna Hosts Pantami’s Ex-Aide, Foundation Alleges Dismissal Over Misconduct
A fresh political controversy has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State following the defection of Hon. Muhammad Buhari Dalhatu to the camp of APC governorship aspirant, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna (Sardaunan Gombe), amid revelations that his appointment under former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, had been terminated weeks earlier over alleged misconduct.
Dalhatu recently announced his resignation from Pantami’s political structure and declared support for Gwamna’s governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by Gwamna’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, Dalhatu was described as a former Special Adviser on Youth Leadership and Community Engagement to Professor Pantami. Shawai hailed his decision to remain in the APC and join Gwamna’s political movement, describing it as another boost for the aspirant’s growing support base.
The statement also listed other former associates of Pantami who have reportedly aligned with Gwamna, including Affan Buba Abuya, the former minister’s former Personal Assistant; Sunusin Gombe, popularly known as Ameer and former coordinator of the Pantamiyya political structure; and Dahiru Saidu Nafada, a longtime political ally of Pantami.
Welcoming Dalhatu into his camp, Gwamna commended what he described as the former aide’s courage and reaffirmed his commitment to building an inclusive political movement anchored on competence, continuity and the consolidation of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s developmental achievements.
However, the announcement has generated controversy following clarifications from sources close to Professor Pantami, the gubernatorial candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
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A source familiar with the matter told PRNigeria that Dalhatu was never appointed as Special Adviser to the former minister. Rather, the source explained, he had voluntarily applied to serve under the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation and was subsequently appointed as Volunteer Special Assistant on Youth Leadership and Community Engagement.
According to the source, that voluntary appointment was terminated before Dalhatu’s political declaration.
A termination letter dated July 27, 2026, signed by Muhammad Yahaya (Tambura) on behalf of the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation, stated that Dalhatu’s appointment had been terminated with immediate effect following reports of misconduct that were “carefully considered.”
The Foundation said Professor Pantami no longer had “the confidence and trust necessary” for Dalhatu to continue representing him in either an official or unofficial capacity.
The letter directed Dalhatu to immediately stop presenting himself or acting on behalf of Professor Pantami and to return all official materials, documents and other items relating to the voluntary appointment.
It further recalled that Dalhatu had personally applied for the volunteer role on January 10, 2025, and that his request was approved on February 5, 2025, in recognition of his expressed commitment to youth leadership and community engagement.
While the Foundation appreciated his contributions during his period of voluntary service and wished him well in his future endeavours, it did not disclose the specific nature of the alleged misconduct that led to the termination.
Dalhatu, a former Gombe State House of Assembly candidate, had sought the volunteer appointment to support youth development and community engagement initiatives associated with the Foundation.
The differing accounts from both political camps have added a new dimension to the political permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
While Gwamna’s supporters have portrayed Dalhatu’s move as another high-profile defection from Pantami’s political camp, Pantami’s associates insist he had ceased to represent the former minister before declaring his allegiance elsewhere.
The episode highlights the growing political manoeuvring and competing narratives shaping the contest for influence within the APC in Gombe State as preparations intensify for the 2027 governorship race.
By PRNigeria
