According to him, his decision to align with the PDP was borne out of his desire to contribute to the realisation of Pantami’s governorship aspiration and the transformation of Gombe State.

The defection is the latest in a series of political realignments in the state following Pantami’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate, with several politicians and supporters across party lines declaring their support for his ambition.

Professor Pantami is expected to fly the PDP flag in the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State

The Sultan’s media team, in a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka and made available to Naija News on Tuesday, described the claim as false, insisting that the Sultan, as a father figure to all Nigerians, could not make such a partisan political statement either publicly or privately.

Adefaka urged Nigerians to disregard and condemn what it described as a malicious attempt to drag the Sultan into partisan politics.

“Our simple response to the report is that it is not possible for the Sultan, as the father of all, to make such a statement, either publicly or in any other forum,” the statement said.

It further stated, “Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure. As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings.

“The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination.”

The Media Team called on members of the public to reject any attempt to misrepresent the Sultan’s position or associate him with the political campaign or candidacy of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It added that the Sultan remained committed to promoting peace, unity, stability and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples and faiths.

The statement also appealed to media practitioners and social media users to exercise restraint by verifying information before sharing reports capable of misleading the public or dragging traditional and religious institutions into partisan political controversies

Why Onawo left the ADC Onawo blamed his exit on what he described as a “sham” governorship primary process within the ADC in Nasarawa State.

He said the conduct of the primaries was characterised by manipulation and a lack of democratic process, and described the situation as worse than the circumstances that pushed him out of the PDP.

He said the decision to defect followed broad consultations with elders, political associates, and key stakeholders across the state.

Onawo’s governorship pitch Pitching himself as the right candidate for the top job in Nasarawa, Onawo said the state needed a leader who genuinely understood the diversity of its people. He promised to pursue unity among the state’s various ethnic and religious groups if voted into office.

The senator said his years of political experience, legislative background, and grassroots connections had positioned him ahead of governorship candidates from other parties. He also pledged to run an all-inclusive government focused on delivering prosperity to every resident of the state.

Onawo used the occasion to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the 2027 elections are free, fair, and credible.