Beyond the Podium: Can Pantami Survive Nigeria’s Political Battlefield? -By Muhammad Ammar

The recent interview granted to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, to BBC Hausa has once again sparked debate within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the North-East. His remarks reflected apparent dissatisfaction with the internal political dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting some observers to argue that Pantami may still not fully grasp the realities and complexities of Nigerian politics.

In practical terms, political parties are not built around individuals alone. Politics is fundamentally driven by strategic calculations, power balancing, negotiations, and the consensus of key stakeholders. Judging from Pantami’s comments, one could infer that any political arrangement that does not favour his emergence as a candidate is being interpreted as an act of “injustice.” While such sentiments are not uncommon in Nigerian politics, they do not necessarily reflect the political reality.

Even if the APC were to conduct a fiercely contested primary election involving heavyweight aspirants, there are indications that Pantami may not possess the grassroots political machinery or electoral leverage required to secure victory with ease. Some analysts believe this underlying concern may already be shaping his disposition ahead of any formal contest.

Politics is not a pulpit, nor is it purely an intellectual exercise; it is a contest of influence, mass appeal, strategic alliances, resilience, and sustained engagement with the electorate. The APC remains a deeply structured political party dominated by seasoned power brokers, meaning that anyone seeking to compete within its ranks must be adequately prepared for intense political manoeuvring.

From my perspective, if Pantami genuinely believes he enjoys widespread public support, he should be willing to test that popularity beyond the comfort of the APC structure. A move to another political platform could provide an opportunity to independently demonstrate his political relevance and electoral strength. As things stand, however, his recent remarks appear to have generated more internal controversy within the APC than additional political goodwill.

There is also the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), symbolised by the cassava emblem, a platform to which Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, recently defected. Perhaps such a platform could offer Pantami an alternative political base, especially considering the longstanding political and social ties between Bauchi State and Gombe State. He may also consider adopting the APM as his political platform.

Ultimately, only time will determine whether Pantami will remain within the APC while continuing to express dissatisfaction or whether he will take a decisive political step to openly test and establish his electoral strength.

Muhammad Ammar, a media observer, writes from Abuja and can be reached at ammarmuhammad1993@gmail.com