A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and Gombe State governorship aspirant, Pro Isa Pantami has said that a free, fair and transparent primary was crucial for the survival of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Pantami stated this on Saturday in Abuja after he was screened by the party ahead of the primaries.
He stressed that he wasn’t aware of any consensus arrangement in the state chapter of the party in Gombe.
Pantami noted: “I’m not aware of anything like this at the moment because, since we were invited for screening and we have been screened here, it is an indication that at least the party at the national level has given each and every Nigerian a level playing ground.
“Internal democracy and internal justice are very important to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. “Because of this, the party allowed each and every one of us to come here and be screened objectively, even at the state level.
“In comparison, I believe that the party has issued a statement that they are ready for direct primaries. I think this is commendable both at the federal and state levels for shifting their position.
“What is important is not only the direct primaries, but that the direct primaries must be very transparent, very fair, and at the same time very independent, because when you are planning direct primaries, any person with an interest or bias should not be in charge of it.
“So, it is important for the party to make it independent so that each and every candidate will have the same fair playing ground. I think this is crucial for the survival of the APC as a party and also for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”
Pantami expressed optimism of clinching the party’s ticket.
According to him, Yeah, I’m optimistic, God willing. I have my scorecard. This is not the first time I’m going into public office. I served in public office as the DG of NITDA for three years, as a minister for almost four years. The scorecard is out there for everyone to see. Based on the independent assessment of KPMG, FCDO and the SGF office, when I completed my tenure, I happened to have the best report result in the administration from 2019 to 2023.