How Pantami Allegedly Bankrolled Gara’s Gombe Attacks
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — A fresh political controversy has erupted in Gombe following an allegation that Professor Isa Ali Pantami allegedly gave Ahmed Shuaibu Gara N50 million to sustain a campaign of critical publications against influential personalities in the state.
A news report by Global Focus Hausa alleged that the reported payment was intended to enable Gara to continue making public statements targeting prominent figures across Gombe’s political, traditional, religious and business establishments.
According to the report, those allegedly targeted included traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, senior government officials, businessmen and other personalities whose influence extends across the state.
The report alleged that the N50 million served as financial backing for Gara’s continued commentaries, which it claimed had repeatedly generated controversy among prominent members of the Gombe community.
The allegation has assumed added political significance because of the public relationship between Pantami and Gara, particularly against the backdrop of Gara’s recent shift in his position towards the former minister.
Gara was recently reported to have apologised to Pantami over some of his previous criticisms and expressed support for his political ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship contest in Gombe.
Neither Pantami nor Gara had publicly responded to the N50 million allegation as of the time of filing this report, leaving the central claim unresolved.