* Despite bonfire, roadblocks and reported attacks on vehicles, governorship candidate’s convoy makes way through major streets
Gombe State witnessed a massive political reception on Wednesday, November 11, as thousands of residents trooped out to welcome the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy was received by supporters who lined major streets, waving PDP flags, singing solidarity songs and accompanying his convoy through different parts of the state capital.
Also present at the reception were former Gombe State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, and other PDP leaders and chieftains who joined the procession to welcome the governorship candidate.
PANTAMI 2027: Gombe State is buzzing with excitement as the PDP governorship candidate, @ProfIsaPantami, arrives with his delegation for a mega rally celebrating INEC’s reinstatement of his name on the list of candidates ahead of 2027 general elections. https://t.co/HIUbMG9GM1
— Professor Isa Pantami Foundation – PIP (@PantamiFound) November 11, 2026
The reception and procession were organised by the Gombe State chapter of the PDP following the publication of Pantami’s name on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) list of governorship candidates.
Bonfire, roadblocks fail to stop convoy
Despite the massive turnout, the procession encountered a security challenge along Jekadafari Road, near the family residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Videos circulating widely on social media showed youths blocking the road with tyres and setting them ablaze, sending thick black smoke into the atmosphere.
The burning tyres disrupted vehicular movement and caused panic among motorists, commuters and residents in the densely populated neighbourhood.
Nigerians are really tired of APC,
This happened in Gombe today… https://t.co/FIKV4hY9Rj— BLESSED 🥷 (@Dee_9889) November 11, 2026
Muslim News gathered that some traders reportedly hurriedly closed their shops amid fears of a possible confrontation.
Despite the blockade, Pantami’s convoy, comprising hundreds of vehicles, eventually made its way through the affected area and continued the procession.
In a separate development, reports indicated that some youths armed with dangerous weapons attacked vehicles in the motorcade, smashing several windscreens and causing panic among supporters and other road users.
The security personnel deployed to the area subsequently intervened, restored calm, extinguished the fire and cleared the road for normal traffic.
As of Wednesday night, no casualty had been officially confirmed, while the Gombe State Police Command had yet to issue a statement on the incidents.
PDP, APC trade accusations
The incidents attracted reactions from the two major political parties in the state. The PDP condemned the attacks on its supporters, describing them as barbaric and undemocratic.
Hasbunallah!🥹❤️
Wato malam ko ɗan takarar shugaban ƙasa ne ya tara wannan dandazon jami’ar, wallahi yayi ƙoƙari. Ga dukkan alamu tarihi zai maimaita kansa, irin dattako da farin jinin marigayi Buhari ya koma ka Malam Pantami. Muna san Barka @ProfIsaPantami https://t.co/2Reddo0S2s
— IMRAN (@imrana_usman01) November 12, 2026
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
However, the APC Campaign Council in Gombe State also accused some PDP supporters of destroying properties belonging to residents and APC members during the political activities.
The council’s Deputy Director of Media, Dahiru Hassan Kera, alleged that vehicles, shops and billboards were vandalised, urging security agencies to investigate the allegations and calling on party supporters to avoid reprisal attacks.
Pantami: Beyond politics, a renowned Islamic scholar
Beyond his political ambition and previous public service, Pantami is widely known as a renowned Islamic scholar whose religious lectures and teachings have attracted audiences in Nigeria and internationally.
His emergence as the winner of the 2020 Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year Award, organised by Muslim News Nigeria, was formally announced on February 19, 2021.
The recognition celebrated his contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy and his commitment to providing Islamic education to Muslims across the globe.
Pantami was selected for combining his responsibilities in public service with Islamic scholarship, particularly his efforts to promote religious education and deepen understanding of Islamic teachings.
He is also a prolific author who has written more than a dozen books covering information and communications technology, science, technology, religion, politics, community reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. He has equally published academic papers in international journals.
Academic excellence and international exposure
Born on October 20, 1972, in Gombe State, Pantami began his education with traditional Qur’anic learning before proceeding to formal education.
He obtained a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, before earning postgraduate qualifications, including a master’s degree in Computer Science and an MBA in Technology Management.
The arrival of Pantami today after Inec reinstated his name as the certified PDP runner.
APC Gombe yau Babu bacci. Konine idan naga mutanen da suka fito taro Malam kuma Ina masa adawa, dole hankalina ya tashi. 😂
Gombe ta Malam ce In sha Allah. https://t.co/p24IEdBvNI
— aʍɨռu (@Ibn_aaminu) November 11, 2026
He subsequently obtained a PhD in Computing and Information Systems from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Before his entry into public service, Pantami spent over a decade lecturing at ATBU, where he taught Information Technology and supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students.
His international academic exposure also includes his appointment at the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, where he served as an academic and held responsibilities in technical writing and computing.
He has participated in international capacity-building programmes, including executive training involving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University in the United States and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland.
His professional recognitions include fellowships of the British Computer Society (FBCS), Nigerian Computer Society (FNCS) and the Institute of Information Management (FIIM).
From NITDA to ministerial office
Pantami’s journey into national public service gained prominence in September 2016 when former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
He held the position until August 2019, when he was appointed Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
As minister, he supervised policies and initiatives aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation, expanding broadband access, promoting digital innovation and strengthening the country’s technology ecosystem.
He left office in May 2023 following the end of the Buhari administration.
His decision to contest the Gombe governorship election has now brought his academic, religious and public-service background into the state’s political arena as he seeks the mandate of voters in 2027.
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