A former Commissioner of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Muhammad Ismail City, popularly known as Katukan Akko, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and thrown his weight behind the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship ambition of Professor Isa Ali Pantami.
City, who previously served as Executive Chairman of Akko Local Government Area and is also a businessman, announced his support for Pantami during a meeting at the former minister’s office on Saturday.
The former electoral commissioner said his decision was based on his assessment of the political landscape in Gombe State and his belief that the state needed a leader with integrity, strong administrative ability and a well-defined development agenda.
Drawing from his experience in grassroots governance and electoral administration, City said he had developed a clearer understanding of the qualities necessary for effective leadership and for advancing Gombe’s economic growth, security and institutions.
He described Gombe as being at an important turning point, stressing the need for a leader with integrity, international exposure and proven transformative leadership.
A statement issued by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement and made available to journalists in Gombe on Saturday quoted City as saying that Pantami had the attributes needed to usher the state into a new phase of development.
City pointed to Pantami’s previous roles as Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, and later as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, saying they demonstrated his ability in innovation, institutional reforms and strategic administration.
He also described Pantami as a distinguished scholar and a leader focused on developing human capital, empowering young people and improving infrastructure.
According to City, Pantami’s development agenda could transform agriculture, strengthen education and generate lasting economic opportunities for people across Gombe’s urban and rural areas.
“Having closely monitored the political landscape and the yearnings of our people, I am entirely convinced that Professor Isa Ali Pantami possesses the unique administrative competence and global network needed to elevate Gombe State to unprecedented heights.”
City subsequently formally endorsed Pantami’s governorship bid and urged his political associates, Akko stakeholders and other residents of the state to rally behind the former minister.
“Therefore, I unequivocally endorse the gubernatorial candidacy of Professor Isa Ali Pantami. I call upon all my political associates, the stakeholders of Akko Local Government and the patriotic citizens of Gombe State to join hands and support this noble cause,” he said.
He further expressed confidence that Pantami’s leadership would bring improvements in security, economic growth and social unity across the state.
“Together, under his capable leadership, we can build a more secure, prosperous and united Gombe State,” he added.
The endorsement is expected to add momentum to political activities in Gombe as politicians and other stakeholders intensify consultations, alliances and realignments ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
