The Northern Democratic Advocacy Forum (NDAF) has advised former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, to consider joi...
The Northern Democratic Advocacy Forum (NDAF) has advised former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, to consider joining an opposition political party ahead of the 2027 governorship election if he is truly dissatisfied with the ongoing APC consensus arrangement in the state.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Muhammad Farouk, the group said Pantami should take a bold political step now before it becomes too late for him to genuinely test his popularity, political strength, and electoral value among the people of Gombe State.
The Forum noted that politics is not won through social media popularity alone, stressing that real political relevance is determined at the ballot box by voters within the state, not by online supporters scattered across the country.
According to the statement, recent observations and political assessments conducted by the group revealed that nearly 90 percent of Pantami’s vocal supporters on social media are outside Gombe State and may not even possess voter cards registered in the state.
“Dr. Pantami must understand that social media applause does not automatically translate into electoral victory. Most of those aggressively promoting him online are not residents of Gombe State and cannot vote during the governorship election,” the statement said.
The group further urged Pantami to focus his political strategy on building grassroots structures within Gombe rather than depending on online sentiment and elite endorsements.
NDAF cited the political example of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during the 2023 general elections, when he moved into the then less popular (NNPP), yet successfully delivered victory for the party in the Kano governorship election because of his established grassroots popularity and political influence.
“If Pantami truly believes he has the support of the people, then he should emulate Kwankwaso by moving to an opposition platform and challenging the APC consensus candidate directly. That is the only practical way to prove his political strength,” the statement added.
The Forum maintained that such a move would not only establish Pantami’s true electoral value but would also compel political actors in Gombe State to respect and regard him as a formidable force ahead of future political negotiations.
The group concluded by urging Pantami to act decisively and avoid remaining politically trapped in uncertainty while events continue to unfold ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
No comments