Gombe 2027: Clerics, APC Members Condemn Rarara’s Attack on Pantami
A new political song by Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara, targeting Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, an Islamic scholar and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has drawn widespread condemnation across traditional and social media.
According to videos and commentaries analysed by Politics Digest, Islamic scholars, entertainers, and stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have warned that the song could backfire politically and damage the party’s standing in Gombe State.
The song, which went viral this week, contains what critics describe as innuendo, insults, and references to drugs directed at Pantami.
‘You Were Paid To Insult A Scholar’ – Religious Leaders React
Islamic scholars led the condemnation, describing the attack as disrespectful, dangerous, and unhealthy for the moral, political, and economic development of Nigeria as a nation.
Imam Umar Shehu Zaria was blunt in his criticism, alleging that Rarara was paid, and stressing that such conduct will continue to be condemned.
“You were paid to insult a scholar because you’re irresponsible and indecent. Know this: a time will come when you will lack relevance. Before you, others existed who have passed, and we shall continue to condemn your act,” he said.
Prominent cleric Sheikh Musa Yusuf Asadussunnah has strongly condemned what he described as “irresponsible ridicule” of Professor Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami, insisting that scholars must be respected regardless of political differences.
Speaking during a sermon, Sheikh Musa said he had received the video and was appalled by it.
“Before I came to the pulpit, I received a video of an irresponsible fellow disrespecting and insulting one of our scholars, Professor Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami, a man who sacrificed his life and time during the Boko Haram insurgency,” he said.
He noted that Pantami’s contributions during the insurgency were extraordinary. “If you know what he did during that period, many people would not have done the same, even if they were paid. He is someone who has been blessed in many ways,” Musa added.
The cleric expressed dismay at the comparisons and accused critics of hypocrisy, saying their attacks were politically motivated.
“Today you have flipped sides only because you now belong to a different political party. The only reason for your anger is that he did not run on your party’s platform. So you rejoice in his ridicule for entertainment.
“What is baffling is comparing a scholar of the Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence with drugs and other unspeakable words. His crime? He entered politics and insisted that things must be done differently,” he said.
He argued that Pantami’s record in governance speaks for itself, warning that ridiculing scholars could discourage others from serving in public office.
“This man has been tested in governance, and very few can match his performance and achievements. Why do we criticise our own bitterly and then go on to praise others? Is that not hypocrisy and a betrayal of trust?” he asked.
“No society will advance without its scholars, because they have been elevated by Allah. To attack scholars is like fighting the Prophets. Yet today, we ridicule scholars. The downside of this is that it will discourage others of this calibre from serving. And if that happens, we will continue to regress as a people,” he cautioned.
Read Also:
He concluded by urging critics to pursue accountability through lawful means rather than insults.
“If you find him wanting in any allegation, then take him to court. He served this country for eight years. Investigate his time in office and prove your case instead,” Sheikh Musa said.
This Will Make APC Lose Gombe’ – Fellow Musician, Party Member Warn
The criticism extended to the political arena, with concerns that the song could hurt the APC in Gombe, Pantami’s home state.
Sanusi Anu Sabuwa, a prominent Kannywood singer, said from experience that such attacks end badly for musicians.
“What Rarara does not realise is that the stunt he pulled with this song will make the APC lose the elections in Gombe State. Professor Pantami is not someone you ridicule — not only in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a man who has dedicated his life to serving Islam,” he said.
Recounting his own experience, Anu said, “When I was singing for Dikko while he was Chairman, I used to ridicule his opponents. But as time passed, those same opponents joined our political party and became leaders in party affairs. History tells us that musicians who did this did not end well. Even if Rarara was paid to do this song, I can tell you this is the beginning of his decline.”
He also pointed to the personal nature of the backlash Rarara is already receiving, stressing that no musician should aspire to such.
“You can already see the backlash — how people have gone after him in the comment sections across social media platforms. Even his mother, who is still alive, was not spared. Is that what he wants — for people to insult his mother?” he asked.
Alhaji Salisu Sheriff, an APC stakeholder in Gombe, echoed the concern about the future of his party in the state in the wake of Rarara’s new song.
“I saw the song Rarara sang, full of innuendo towards Professor Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami. And the backlash he received is not because of political inclination, but because he touched a personality he should not have,” he said.
Alhaji Salisu alleged inducement and warned of internal damage, and the need to refocus and prioritise preparation towards the 2027 general elections.
“It is alleged that Rarara was given a car and a plot of land. Right now, the APC is scrambling to get supporters for the next election, and this song will make it even more difficult,” he said.
“What we want in the APC is to stop discussing this man, because so far it is not working in their favour. What they should focus on is how to gather more followers for the elections, create jobs, and give people positions in the party,” he added.
Politics Is Personal’ – Kwankwasiyya Member, Former Aide Weigh In Isa Dan Aljanna, a member of the Kwankwasiyya movement, defended Pantami’s right to choose a political party in a Hausa video translated by Politics Digest.
“Rarara should know that a sleeping Pantami is worth more than his entire family. Politics is personal, and everyone is entitled to the political party they choose to run on. Pantami was in your party, and you denied him the ticket. He decided to look elsewhere and got the ticket. So, you, Rarara, have no right to insult him,” he stressed.
Bashir Ahmad, former Special Assistant on New Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, argued the song had backfired, defeating the purpose of its release.
His words “The ungodly song by Rarara has achieved the exact opposite of its apparent intention. Rather than damaging Sheikh Pantami’s image, it has only given him free publicity, drawing even more attention to him and amplifying his political cause.”
