Suspected Political Thugs Destroy Pantami Campaign Office In Gombe As PDP Claims Governor Yahaya Ordered Attack

Suspected political thugs have reportedly destroyed the campaign office of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

This is as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains alleged that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ordered the attack.

Sahara Reporters was told that the incident occurred at about 2am on Saturday, October 17, amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The governor and the Akko Local Government Area chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Barambu, have not yet reacted to the incident.

The destruction of the campaign office reportedly occurred ahead of Governor Yahaya’s scheduled visit to Kumo, raising concerns about political tolerance and the safety of campaign facilities in the state.

According to an account by some PDP chieftains condemning the incident, the development has heightened concerns about the conduct of political actors as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, particularly over allegations of intimidation and the destruction of campaign infrastructure.

It said the destruction of such facilities raised serious questions about respect for political competition and the right of candidates and their supporters to organise peacefully.

“No political differences can justify the destruction of campaign property,” one of the chieftains said.

It further called for an impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether anyone ordered, facilitated or participated in the destruction.

“If an impartial investigation establishes that public office holders ordered, facilitated or participated in the act, those responsible should be held accountable under the law, regardless of their political position,” it added.

The statement urged security agencies to investigate the destruction of the billboards, identify those responsible for carrying out the destruction and establish whether the operation was ordered or financed by anyone.

It stressed that the investigation should be guided by evidence rather than political influence, adding that anyone found culpable should face the consequences under the law.

Party supporters were also urged to remain calm, resist provocation and pursue justice through lawful means rather than resort to violence or retaliation.

“Gombe State deserves a political environment in which candidates and their supporters can pursue their ambitions without intimidation or fear of having their campaign facilities destroyed,” another chieftain said.

He added that political authority must not be used to suppress opposition and that political rivalry should never become an excuse for lawlessness.

“The people of Gombe deserve a transparent investigation and answers based on evidence,” he said.

The account while condemning the damage to the campaign billboard belonging to Pantami, called for peaceful political engagement, respect for the law and an impartial investigation.

“Destroying a campaign billboard cannot destroy a political aspiration,” another member said.

He added, “We condemn the reported damage to Prof. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pamtami’s billboard and call for peaceful political engagement, respect for the law, and an impartial investigation. Let our political differences be settled at the ballot box, not through destruction or violence.”

The reported destruction of the campaign office and billboard comes as political activities and alignments begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.

Pantami, a former minister under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, has attracted political attention in Gombe amid discussions surrounding the state's next governorship contest.