PDP Governorship Candidate, Isa Pantami Defies APC Thugs to Campaign in Gombe
Former minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Ali Pantami on Tuesday defied roadblocks, stone pellets and some angry youths suspected to be All Progress Congress (APC) political thugs who tried to block his campaign team from entering Gombe town as he made his way into the state capital for the PDP mega rally.
The suspected thugs, however, descended on vehicles in his convoy destroyed several of the vehicle and tore down billboard bearing the campaign materials of the governorship candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The rampaging youths lit bonfire and mounted roadblocks along Jekadafari Road, near the family house of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in an alleged attempt to stop the former entering Gombe town.
The former minister who has engaged in several legal and political battles to retain the governorship ticket of the PDP was hosted o a grand reception and mega rally organised by the Gombe State chapter of the PDP to honour Pantami, following the publication of his name on the gubernatorial list of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Some eyewitnesses told Daily Trust that the youths stormed the busy road and blocked it with tyres before setting them ablaze.
Vehicular movement on the road was completely disrupted for several minutes, as motorists were forced to abandon the route and seek alternative roads to their destinations.
Traders and shop owners around the area were also said to have hurriedly closed their shops for fear that the situation could escalate into a violent clash between rival political groups.
Despite the blockade, Pantami’s motorcade, comprising hundreds of vehicles, was able to force its way through and continue the procession to the venue of the mega rally.
Supporters in the motorcade cheered and chanted solidarity songs as they navigated through the thick smoke, in what eyewitnesses described as a moment of defiance.
Our correspondent reports that another group of youths, armed with dangerous weapons, smashed the windscreens of several vehicles in the motorcade, sparking panic among supporters and other road users.
It took the swift intervention of security personnel deployed to the scene to restore calm, put out the fire and clear the road for normal traffic flow.
A resident, Sani Balarabe, described the incident as frightening.
“We were just going about our normal business when we saw the youths blocking the road. Everybody was scared because we did not know what would happen next,” Balarabe said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from Prof. Pantami or his aides regarding the alleged attack.
Also, no casualty had been officially confirmed, while the Gombe State Police Command was yet to issue a statement on the incident.
Residents have, however, called on political leaders in the state to caution their supporters against actions capable of breaching public peace, warning that Gombe is known for its peaceful coexistence