MURIC, Forum back Pantami, reject Gombe APC consensus arrangement

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the Forum for Justice of Nigeria have backed ex-Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, while criticising the 2027 governorship consensus arrangement adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State.

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 rejected the reported consensus arrangement, calling it a “kangaroo” exercise allegedly conducted without the participation or knowledge of Pantami, whom it identified as one of the leading aspirants in the contest.

A statement signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said any consensus system 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,” it noted.

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“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.”

“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.

MURIC 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 could generate political discontent.

The Islamic rights organisation 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 group maintained that the former minister enjoys significant grassroots support, particularly through the “Pantamiya movement,” which it said could deliver an 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.

“His statements on the need for internal democracy and justice are crucial to the success and stability of Nigeria. We commend Pantami for standing for justice peacefully and legally. Nigeria needs more people who are peaceful and committed to justice.”

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.

The group said the president’s position demonstrates commitment to fairness and inclusiveness in the political process. It, however, urged Tinubu to ensure that any direct primary conducted remains free, fair, and transparent.

“Any governor who is biased should not be allowed to get involved, as he is an interested party,” Prof. Adamu declared. Both organisations encouraged the APC leadership to uphold due process and ensure equal opportunities for all aspirants.