Former Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has addressed recent criticism over his political affiliations, stating that many past sermons of his on democracy and politics have been misrepresented through selective editing and decontextualization.
Pantami’s clarification came during an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, following public scrutiny after he renewed his membership with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The controversy intensified when Pantami, an Islamic scholar, stated during the renewal process that he had been actively engaged in political activities for over two decades. Critics pointed to this as a reversal of his previously expressed reservations about political participation.
In response, Pantami challenged critics to produce any video where he explicitly discouraged political engagement. He alleged that circulating clips were manipulated. “For instance, there is a trending clip where I was quoted as saying I do not attend political meetings. That comment was part of a broader debate on whether Western education, working in the civil service, and democracy are halal (permissible) in Islam,” he explained. He noted that the sermon in question was delivered years after he had already defended democracy in scholarly debates, making the edited clip misleading.
The former minister argued that a statement reflecting one’s position at a specific time should not be interpreted as a permanent or absolute doctrine. “Saying one was not involved in politics at a particular time does not mean politics is bad,” he stated, emphasizing that evolving perspectives are not contradictions.
Pantami also dismissed objections to clerics holding political office, citing examples of respected global Islamic scholars who advocate for political engagement to foster good governance. His comments come amid ongoing speculation about his potential bid for governor of Gombe State in the 2027 elections. When asked, Pantami said he is “still praying and consulting,” confirming that no final decision has been made.
The episode highlights the persistent tension between religious scholarship and partisan politics in Nigeria, particularly for high-profile clerics who transition into government roles. Pantami’s defense centers on the integrity of his recorded words, urging the public to consider the full context of his decades-long intellectual discourse on Islam’s interface with modern statecraft. His stance suggests that his recent formal re-entry into partisan politics is a culmination, rather than a reversal, of his long-held engagement with societal issues.
