Pantami’s Challenger Hamma Saleh Resigns from PDP, Joins APC

A former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, has resigned from the party and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Hamma Saleh, who contested the PDP governorship ticket against former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, announced his decision in a press release made available to journalists in Gombe.

He also called on his supporters across the state to join him in the APC and support the party’s candidates at all levels of government.

The defection comes amid political realignments in Gombe State as parties and aspirants begin to consolidate their positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hamma Saleh’s move is particularly significant given the protracted dispute over the PDP governorship ticket, which saw Pantami’s initial primary election challenged in court and a subsequent rerun conducted.

His exit from the PDP could further shape political alignments in the state as the opposition party grapples with internal challenges ahead of the polls.

The former aspirant urged his supporters to rally behind the APC, signalling his decision to join forces with the ruling party ahead of the forthcoming electoral contest.