2027: Beneficiaries Raise Over ₦60m, Purchase Governorship Nomination Form for Pantami
2027: Beneficiaries Raise Over ₦60m, Purchase Governorship Nomination Form for Pantami
In a remarkable show of grassroots support, beneficiaries of the goodwill and mentorship of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, have successfully purchased a governorship nomination form on his behalf after raising over ₦60 million through a week-long crowdfunding initiative.
The development marks a significant political moment ahead of the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, highlighting an unusual model of citizen-driven mobilisation anchored on personal impact and loyalty.
Youth-Led Initiative Gains Momentum
TimesNG gathered that the initiative began last Friday when a group of young Nigerians who had benefited from Pantami’s support, guidance, and opportunities resolved to contribute towards purchasing his nomination form as a gesture of appreciation.
Acting independently and without direct instruction, the youths constituted a committee and launched a coordinated fundraising campaign. Within just 48 hours, they had raised more than ₦60 million—exceeding the cost of the nomination form.
Speaking on the development, one of the coordinators and a beneficiary, Engineer Adamu Sabo Gombe, said the contributions were entirely voluntary.
“This development reflects the goodwill Professor Pantami enjoys among many young people due to the opportunities and support he has provided over the years. Everyone contributed willingly; no one was compelled,” he said.
He confirmed that representatives of the group visited the designated venue on Wednesday and successfully purchased the nomination form, fulfilling their pledge.
The fundraising effort attracted contributions from a wide spectrum of supporters, ranging from modest donations to significant financial commitments.
A supporter, Halima Shehu, who donated ₦2,000, said she was initially hesitant but was encouraged by calls 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, contributed ₦50,000, describing it as an act of gratitude.
“Malam supported people when he had the opportunity, and now they are giving back,” he said.
An anonymous donor reportedly gave ₦400,000, attributing his gesture to employment opportunities he received through Pantami’s intervention.
Notably, a group of youths said to have benefitted from Pantami’s influence at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) collectively raised about ₦15.35 million within 48 hours.
Other contributions included ₦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 first batch, describing the effort as “a symbol of loyalty and genuine support,” while a women’s group comprising beneficiaries contributed ₦6 million. Hajiya Balki Pantami also joined the initiative with a ₦5,000 donation.
Although the campaign attracted interest from supporters abroad—including a ₦100,000 pledge from Scofield Ali Sabit in Ghana—organisers confirmed that such contributions would not be accepted in compliance with Nigerian laws on political financing.
A coordinator disclosed that Pantami had directed that while goodwill messages from outside Nigeria are appreciated, financial donations from non-Nigerians or foreign sources should be declined.
“While we appreciate the goodwill from outside the country, financial support from outside Nigeria is not permitted by law, so such donations should be withheld,” the source said.
Political analysts say the scale, speed, and spontaneity of the fundraising effort reflect a shift in political engagement, with supporters independently mobilising resources to back a potential candidate.
For a figure sometimes perceived by critics as lacking grassroots appeal, the breadth of contributions—from ₦2,000 donations to multi-million naira pooled funds—suggests a strong and diverse support base.
Observers believe the development could reshape early narratives ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Gombe State, positioning Pantami as a candidate with loyal backing across social and economic divides.
While the former minister has yet to formally declare his ambition, the ongoing mobilisation signals growing momentum that may significantly influence the dynamics of the contest.
By TimesNG