Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has said the high poverty rate in Gombe State and the need for inclusive governance motivated his decision to seek the Peoples Democratic Party governorship ticket for the 2027 election.

Pantami spoke on Tuesday after he was affirmed as the PDP governorship candidate during the party’s affirmation exercise in Gombe State.

According to the chairman of the PDP electoral panel, Gregory Yenlong, Pantami emerged as the sole candidate and was affirmed in line with the party’s guidelines after polling a total of 52,955 votes across the three senatorial districts.

In his acceptance speech, Pantami said his aspiration was driven by a desire to serve the people and address the economic challenges facing residents rather than personal ambition.

He expressed concern over the state’s poverty level, citing the National Multidimensional Poverty Index, which he said places Gombe among the poorest states in Nigeria.

Pantami stated that his administration would focus on poverty reduction through investments in education, agriculture, smart farming initiatives, and industrialisation aimed at attracting foreign direct investment.

He also pledged to promote public-private partnerships and strengthen social welfare programmes to support vulnerable groups across the state.

The former minister stressed the importance of unity and equal treatment of citizens across all 11 local government areas, saying no community should face discrimination.

According to him, Gombe’s diversity should be used as a tool for development and progress rather than division.

Pantami further praised the achievements of previous administrations led by the Peoples Democratic Party in Gombe State, noting that several major institutions and infrastructure projects were established during the party’s years in government.

Among the projects he highlighted were Gombe State University, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State University of Science and Technology, the College of Education Billiri, State Polytechnic Bajoga, Gombe International Hotel, Gombe Airport, and the Dadinkowa water project.

Pantami’s emergence as the PDP candidate comes about a week after he withdrew from the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress in Gombe State.