Nigeria’s Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has expressed confidence in his chances of clinching the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State, saying his public service record stands him out among other aspirants.
Speaking after his screening by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pantami described the exercise as transparent, objective and commendable.
“To be fair, the process has been commendable so far. It has been very transparent, very objective, very friendly, and it is really encouraging so far.
“I commend the screening committee, really, for the questions they asked and the way they honoured each and every one of us,” he said.
Pantami said he remains optimistic about securing the party’s ticket, stressing that his confidence is rooted in his track record in public office rather than campaign promises.
“I’m optimistic, God willing. I have my scorecard. This is not the first time I’m going into public office,” he stated.
“I served as the DG of NITDA for three years and as a minister for almost four years. The scorecard is out there for everyone to see,” he furthered.
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According to him, independent assessments by KPMG, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ranked his ministry among the best-performing in the administration between 2019 and 2023.
“This is with all sense of humility. That is why we are into politics, not with a blueprint, but rather with a scorecard.
“Wherever I go, I present my scorecard of how I served in public office and what I achieved. So, it is no more about a blueprint of making empty promises, but rather presenting our scorecard of what we have delivered to Nigerians,” Pantami noted.
On reports of a possible consensus candidate for the Gombe APC governorship race, Pantami said he was unaware of any such arrangement, noting that the screening exercise itself showed the party had created a level playing field for all aspirants.
“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 the party at the national level has given each and every Nigerian a level playing ground,” he said.
The former minister also stressed the importance of internal democracy and fairness in the party’s planned direct primaries.
“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,” he urged.
“I think this is crucial for the survival of the APC as a party and also for the survival of democracy in Nigeria.” Pantami added.
