Former Commissioner Dumps APC, Joins PDP

A former Commissioner of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission, Muhammad Ismail City, popularly known as Katukan Akko, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ambition of former Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Professor Isa Ali Pantami.

City, who previously served as Executive Chairman of Akko Local Government Area and is also a businessman, announced his decision during a meeting with Pantami at the former minister’s office on Saturday.

The former electoral commissioner said his move was based on his assessment of the political situation in Gombe State and his belief that the state needed a leader capable of providing effective administration and driving development.

He pointed to his experience in grassroots administration and electoral management as factors that shaped his view of the leadership qualities needed to improve the state’s economy, security and institutions.

City described Gombe as being at an important stage in its political development and said the state needed a leader with integrity, administrative ability, international exposure and a proven record of leadership.

He identified 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 as evidence of his capacity to drive innovation, reform institutions and manage strategic responsibilities.

According to City, Pantami’s background as a scholar and his involvement in human capital development and youth empowerment also made him suitable for the governorship position.

He expressed confidence that Pantami’s proposed agenda could support the modernisation of agriculture, strengthen education and expand economic opportunities for people living in both urban and rural areas of the state.

City subsequently endorsed Pantami’s governorship ambition and urged his political associates, stakeholders in Akko Local Government Area and other residents of Gombe to support the former minister.

He also expressed optimism that Pantami’s leadership could improve security, economic development and social unity across the state.

The defection and endorsement are expected to add to the political realignments taking place in Gombe ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as politicians and other stakeholders continue consultations over their preferred candidates and platforms.