A former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Gombe State, Mohammed Manu Malala, has declared his support for the party’s governorship candidate, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Mr Malala, a retired Permanent Secretary in Gombe State, announced his endorsement in a statement issued by the Gombe State PDP Media Team.
He said his decision followed Pantami’s emergence as the party’s sole governorship candidate after the screening exercise conducted by the PDP National Headquarters and the subsequent affirmation of his candidacy by the Gombe State chapter of the party.
According to Mr Malala, he had decided to shelve his governorship ambition in the interest of party unity and the overall development of Gombe State.
He also dismissed reports suggesting he had challenged the PDP governorship selection process in court, insisting that he neither instituted nor intended to institute any legal action against the party.
Mr Malala explained that Pantami was the only aspirant who successfully passed the PDP screening exercise and was subsequently issued a Certificate of Clearance by the party’s National Headquarters.
“Consequently, he emerged as the party’s sole cleared aspirant and was affirmed unopposed.
“Based on this process, there is no legal basis for any unsuccessful or uncleared aspirant to challenge the outcome in court,” he said.
The former aspirant urged all party members and stakeholders committed to the development of Gombe State to unite behind Pantami, whom he described as a visionary leader with the capacity to transform the state.
He also appealed to other PDP governorship aspirants to close ranks with the party’s candidate to strengthen the PDP’s chances of winning the 2027 governorship election.
Responding, Mr Pantami thanked Mr Malala for the endorsement and the confidence reposed in his leadership.
The PDP governorship candidate assured him that his administration would be inclusive, pledging to work with all stakeholders in the collective interest of the party and the people of Gombe State.
