Concerns Raised Over Pantami's Suitability for Gombe Governance

Danjuma Kala, a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Gombe State Council, has expressed serious concerns about Prof. Isa Ali Pantami's suitability to govern Gombe State due to controversies surrounding his professorial appointment. In an article titled “Why Pantami Should Not Be Trusted With the Governance of Gombe: 2027,” dated September 5, 2026, Kala argued that candidates for public office should undergo rigorous scrutiny of their academic and institutional histories.

He emphasized that the controversy regarding Pantami's elevation to professor raises questions about institutional integrity and adherence to established procedures. Kala noted that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) conducted an investigation into Pantami's appointment, which revealed concerns about the process and qualifications involved.

He stated that while the appointment remains valid, it is crucial for voters to consider whether it reflects institutional integrity. Kala also alleged that Pantami had only about one year of post-doctoral teaching experience at the time of his appointment, which he deemed insufficient for such a rank.