2027: Pantami Supporters Raise Funds for Governorship Form, Reject Foreign Donations

2027: Pantami Supporters Raise Funds for Governorship Form, Reject Foreign Donations

Supporters of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, have launched a grassroots fundraising initiative to purchase his governorship nomination form ahead of the 2027 elections in Gombe State, even as organisers cautioned against accepting donations from outside Nigeria.

The initiative, driven by individuals, community groups, and beneficiaries of Pantami’s mentorship, has attracted widespread contributions across social media platforms, reflecting growing political mobilisation around the former minister.

However, one of the coordinators, speaking with TimesNG exclusively disclosed that Pantami had directed that while goodwill messages from abroad are appreciated, financial contributions from non-Nigerians or those outside the country should not be accepted due to legal restrictions.

“While we appreciate the goodwill from outside the country, financial support from outside Nigeria is not permitted by law, so please retain your donation,” the source said.

TimesNG verified this position on the social media account of Prof Pantami.

Meanwhile, donations from supporters have ranged from modest amounts to significant contributions, underscoring the diversity of Pantami’s support base.

A supporter, Halima Shehu, who contributed ₦2,000, said she was initially hesitant but was encouraged by appeals for inclusive participation.

“Honestly, I was hesitant to send ₦2,000, but I was inspired to give whatever I could,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Similarly, Anas Bn Hamza, speaking on behalf of a friend sponsored by Pantami to study in India, donated ₦50,000, describing the gesture as a form of appreciation.

“Malam supported people when he had the opportunity, and now they are giving back,” he said.

An anonymous donor reportedly contributed ₦400,000, attributing his gesture to employment opportunities he received through Pantami’s intervention.

Notably, youths said to have benefited from Pantami’s influence at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) pooled resources, raising about ₦15.35 million within 48 hours, according to organisers.

“Since Friday, these youths resolved to buy him the nomination form as a way of appreciating his impact on their lives,” Abba said.

Other contributions include ₦1 million from Muhammad Abdullahi, who credited Pantami with helping him secure employment at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Pantami Media Network also raised ₦30,600 in its initial batch, describing the effort as “a symbol of loyalty and genuine support.”

A women’s group comprising beneficiaries of Pantami’s support across the country contributed ₦6 million, while Hajiya Balki Pantami also joined the initiative with a donation of ₦5,000.

Although organisers confirmed receiving interest from supporters abroad, including a ₦100,000 pledge from Scofield Ali Sabit in Ghana, they reiterated that such contributions would not be accepted in compliance with Nigerian laws on political financing.

Analysts say the diaspora interest nonetheless highlights the extent of Pantami’s influence, particularly among individuals who benefitted from his academic and professional mentorship.

Observers note that the scale and spontaneity of the fundraising effort signal a shift in political engagement, with supporters rallying resources independently to support a potential candidacy.

For a figure often perceived by critics as lacking grassroots appeal, the breadth of contributions—from ₦2,000 donations to multi-million naira pooled funds—suggests otherwise.

Political analysts believe the development could reshape perceptions ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Gombe State, positioning Pantami as a candidate with a loyal and motivated support base cutting across social and economic divides.

While the former minister has yet to formally declare his ambition, the ongoing mobilisation indicates early momentum that could influence the dynamics of the contest.

By TimesNG