The Gombe State Police Command has launched an investigation into an attack on the convoy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, by suspected political thugs in the Jekadafari area of the state.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as Pantami arrived in Gombe for a homecoming reception and political rally organised by the state chapter of the PDP.

According to reports, some youths barricaded Jekadafari Road with tyres, which they set ablaze, disrupting traffic and creating panic among residents and motorists.

The attackers also reportedly smashed the windscreens of several vehicles in the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy’s convoy.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Gombe, Buhari Abdullahi, said investigations were ongoing, although no arrests had been made as of Thursday.

Abdullahi explained that police personnel had been deployed to maintain order during the procession, but the attackers targeted some vehicles after the larger crowd had moved past a particular point.

He said the command could not immediately establish the number of vehicles damaged because no formal complaints had been submitted by affected persons.

The police spokesman urged residents with credible information about the incident to assist investigators, assuring that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International has condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to prevent Pantami from entering Gombe town.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation said its preliminary findings suggested that the suspected attackers might be working for individuals linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the allegation has not been independently established, and the police have not publicly identified those responsible.

Amnesty called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those involved are brought to justice through a fair trial.

The organisation also warned that repeated attacks on opposition politicians and their supporters could undermine peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP has also condemned the attack, describing it as undemocratic and unacceptable.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party alleged that some of its supporters were assaulted and vehicles vandalised during the homecoming reception.

It called on security agencies to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

Pantami, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, is the PDP’s governorship candidate in Gombe State for the 2027 election.

The incident has renewed concerns about political violence in the state as political activities gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.