Former Minister of Communications Isa Ali Pantami has officially joined the Peoples Democratic Party and emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Gombe State.

Pantami was confirmed as the PDP flagbearer on Tuesday after party delegates endorsed him through a voice vote during the party’s governorship primary held in Gombe.

The former minister contested the primary unopposed.

Chairman of the party’s electoral committee, Gregory Yenlong, announced Pantami as the successful candidate at the conclusion of the exercise.

The development marks a major shift in Gombe State’s political landscape and signals a new chapter in Pantami’s political career after his departure from the All Progressives Congress.

Pantami had earlier sought the APC governorship ticket but later withdrew from the race, citing concerns over the conduct and transparency of the party’s primary election process.

His defection to the PDP is expected to reshape political alignments in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.