GOMBE / ABUJA — A former close aide to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has publicly criticized his former boss over his interpersonal conduct, accusing him of disrespecting high-profile political figures, traditional rulers, and senior Islamic clerics.

In a scathing statement circulating on political forums across the North-East, Comrade Affan Buba Abuya revealed that Pantami’s perceived arrogance and poor communication habits could severely derail his political ambitions in Gombe State and the wider northern region.

“He Ignores Governors, Emirs, and Clerics” — Former Aide Speaks Out

Comrade Affan Buba Abuya, who disclosed that he served alongside Pantami from his tenure as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) through his cabinet appointment as Minister of Communications, expressed frustration over the former minister’s accessibility and demeanor:

“Pantami lacks communication skills. He disrespects prominent leaders like the Emir of Gombe, the Governor of Gombe, and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff when they try to visit or call him. Even respected religious leaders have no access to him.”

— Comrade Affan Buba Abuya, Former Aide

Warnings Ignored Ahead of Political Entry

Abuya noted that he had repeatedly cautioned Pantami during their time in office about the long-term political ramifications of alienating key stakeholders in the North-East:

• Alienating the Traditional & Political Hierarchy: Ignoring prominent figures like the Governor of Gombe State, the Emir of Gombe, and former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff creates severe political headwinds as Pantami transitions into mainstream partisan politics.
• Locking Out Clerical Access: Despite Pantami’s background as an Islamic scholar, religious leaders have reportedly found it difficult to consult or reach him, eroding his primary grassroots constituency.
• Forewarned Political Isolation: Abuya stated that he warned the former minister that a day would come when he would need these political and traditional bridges to build a viable electoral foundation.

Political Impact Matrix

  SUBJECT:             Prof. Isa Ali Pantami (Former Minister of Communications)
  CRITIC:              Comrade Affan Buba Abuya (Former Aide, NITDA & Ministry)
  KEY ACCUSATIONS:     Lack of communication skills, elitism, accessibility breakdown
  AFFECTED DIGNITARIES: Emir of Gombe, Governor of Gombe, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, Religious Clerics
  POLITICAL RISK:      Grassroots backlash & institutional friction in Gombe / North-East politics

Growing Scrutiny Over Pantami’s Next Move

As political figures begin laying the groundwork for upcoming electoral cycles across Gombe State and the federal level, the revelations from Pantami’s former inner circle highlight the growing friction between his technocratic/scholarly image and the delicate consensus-building required in Nigerian partisan politics.