Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has gained entry into Gombe State despite bonfires, roadblocks and reported attacks on vehicles conveying his supporters, amid rising political tension ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Pantami, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, arrived in the state capital on Wednesday, November 11, for a political reception organised by the party and his supporters.

The arrival reportedly triggered tension along Jekadafari Road, near the family residence of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, where suspected political thugs allegedly blocked the road with used tyres and set them ablaze.

The burning tyres sent thick smoke into the surrounding neighbourhood, disrupted traffic and caused panic among residents, traders and motorists. Some traders reportedly closed their shops as the situation deteriorated.

Despite the obstruction, Pantami’s motorcade, said to comprise hundreds of vehicles, proceeded through the affected area and continued towards the rally venue.

The situation reportedly escalated when another group of youths attacked vehicles in the procession, smashing the windscreens of several cars and causing panic among occupants and other road users.

Security personnel subsequently intervened, extinguished the burning tyres and restored traffic movement in the area.

Pantami’s reception was organised by the Gombe State PDP following the appearance of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list of governorship candidates.

The former minister was later received by supporters at the Emir’s Palace in Gombe, where he addressed party members and outlined some of his development priorities.

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Speaking at the gathering, Pantami criticised what he described as the treatment of public resources as political spoils, insisting that the wealth of Gombe State belonged to its people and should be used to improve their living conditions.

He pledged to prioritise employment opportunities, youth empowerment, agricultural development and support for local businesses if elected governor.

“Gombe’s resources belong to the people of Gombe; they are not spoils of war. What I intend to do is provide jobs for the people, support youths and farmers, and make fertiliser available to boost agricultural production,” he said.

Pantami also promised to promote the award of government contracts to local contractors, arguing that such a policy would create employment, generate income and strengthen businesses within the state.

Meanwhile, the Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the attack on the PDP candidate’s convoy, describing the incident as an act of political thuggery.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said investigations had commenced to identify those responsible for the violence.

He explained that security personnel had been deployed to maintain order but some individuals allegedly took advantage of the crowd to barricade roads and attack vehicles.

The police spokesman disclosed that no arrests had been made as of Thursday, November 12, adding that the command could not establish the exact number of vehicles affected because no formal complaints had been lodged at police stations.

He assured residents that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted and urged members of the public with useful information to assist the investigation.

However, the Gombe State APC Campaign Council has presented a different account of the incident, accusing supporters of Pantami of allegedly destroying properties belonging to residents and members of the ruling party.

The council’s Deputy Director of Media, Dahiru Hassan Kera, condemned the alleged destruction of vehicles, shops and political billboards, warning that such actions could worsen political tension in the state.

Kera called on security agencies to investigate the allegations and bring anyone found responsible to justice. He also appealed to APC supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks.

The rival allegations have raised fresh concerns about political violence and the safety of residents as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 Gombe governorship election.

With the police investigation ongoing and no arrests announced, attention is now focused on the security agencies and political leaders to prevent further violence and ensure that political disagreements do not threaten public peace in the state.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the political platform of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has been hit by fresh internal disagreements following the resignation of its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalami.

Abdulsalami announced his resignation from the party with immediate effect, accusing some influential members of undermining his contributions and subjecting him to what he described as persistent injustice.

His departure came amid another significant development involving the party, as Yunusa Tanko, a former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and political adviser to Obi, announced his departure from the NDC political camp to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The two developments, which became public within hours of each other, have raised fresh questions about the NDC’s internal cohesion as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

In his resignation letter addressed to the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, through his former ward chairman in Kogi State, Abdulsalami said he had decided to withdraw from the party and all political and technical responsibilities undertaken on behalf of its national leadership.

The former deputy spokesman described himself as a founding member who played an important role during the party’s formation and early political activities.

He alleged that his efforts to contribute to the party’s growth had increasingly clashed with the interests of a few powerful officials who, according to him, had taken control of its affairs.

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“As a foundation member of the NDC, ditto a critical formative leader in the party, I am compelled to voluntarily take the exit having realized that my sincere and positive contributions to the meteoric rise and success of the party are at odds with the vested interests of a few powerful officers who call the shots,” he stated.

Abdulsalami added that his decision was informed by what he described as repeated experiences of unfair treatment, saying he preferred to protect his peace of mind rather than continue complaining about alleged injustices.

He, however, did not identify the party officials he accused or provide specific incidents to substantiate his allegations.

Despite his grievances, the former deputy spokesman expressed appreciation to the NDC National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for the opportunities he received to serve in different capacities.

He listed his previous positions as Kogi State Protem Chairman, Deputy National Publicity Secretary and pioneer spokesperson, as well as Deputy National Director for Labour and Civil Society.

Abdulsalami also thanked colleagues, civil society activists and media practitioners who supported him during the party’s formative period.

Meanwhile, Tanko’s departure has added another dimension to the developments surrounding Obi’s political platform.

Tanko, who previously coordinated the Obidient Movement, resigned as Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria on October 30, 2026, before accepting an appointment as National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council.

He made the disclosure during the inauguration of the SDP’s presidential campaign council in Abuja on Wednesday, November 11.

He said he had communicated his decision to Obi and Dickson, expressing appreciation for their support during his time in the NDC political camp.

Tanko is expected to work with the SDP presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, and his running mate, Usman Bugaje, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He described the SDP as a people-oriented political platform committed to advancing the interests of disadvantaged Nigerians.

Tanko previously served as the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, which mobilised considerable support for Obi during the 2023 presidential election. He later became Obi’s political adviser for Northern Nigeria after stepping down from the movement’s national coordination position.

Although Abdulsalami’s resignation and Tanko’s new political appointment became public within hours of each other, there is no indication that the two developments were coordinated or directly connected.

As of Thursday, November 12, the NDC leadership had not publicly responded to Abdulsalami’s allegations of internal injustice or issued an official explanation concerning the circumstances surrounding the two departures.

The developments come as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections, with Obi expected to lead its presidential campaign.