The controversy surrounding Prof. Isa Ali Pantami’s professorial appointment has returned to public debate as political attention turns towards the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.

Danjuma Kala, a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Gombe State Council, said the circumstances surrounding Pantami’s academic advancement should be examined alongside his political record.

Kala made the comments in a piece published on September 5, 2026, in which he questioned whether Pantami should be trusted with the governance of Gombe State.

He argued that voters have a responsibility to examine the backgrounds of candidates before deciding who should hold public office.

According to Kala, the controversy over Pantami’s professorial appointment raises questions about institutional integrity, transparency and adherence to established procedures.

He argued that professional conduct can provide voters with an indication of how candidates might approach public institutions if elected.

“The question is not whether technical authority was exercised, but whether institutional processes were followed with appropriate rigor, transparency, and adherence to established standards,” he said.

Kala also sought to clarify misconceptions about the authority of ASUU.

He said the Academic Staff Union of Universities does not have statutory authority to appoint or remove professors.

Instead, he said, such decisions are made by university governing councils.

Kala identified the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, as the body responsible for Pantami’s professorial appointment.

At the same time, he said ASUU’s investigation into the appointment remained relevant because the union had raised questions about the process and qualifications.

He referred to ASUU findings released in 2021, which, according to him, documented concerns about the appointment.

The renewed discussion comes against the background of growing political interest in the 2027 elections.

Pantami, who served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, remains a prominent figure in Nigerian public life.

His academic credentials and professional history have previously attracted debate, and Kala’s intervention has brought the issue back into focus.

The allegations raised by Kala should, however, be understood as his assessment of the controversy rather than an independent determination of wrongdoing.

The wider issue is whether professional and academic records should influence voters’ decisions.

Kala believes they should, arguing that voters must look beyond campaign promises and assess the institutional history of anyone seeking public office.

As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, the debate over Pantami’s academic record could become one of several issues examined by voters as they assess potential candidates for Gombe State.