By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Gombe State, visited the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Federal Low-Cost, Gombe, on Sunday to sympathize with congregants following a recent fire incident that destroyed parts of the church facility.

Pantami, who also serves as a representative of Senate Leader Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo during the visit, described the gesture as a personal decision given his proximity to the church as a neighbor. He offered prayers for those affected and conveyed Dankwambo’s heartfelt sympathies while expressing solidarity with the church and the broader Christian community.

However, the visit—made by a prominent Islamic cleric—has generated significant debate across social media platforms, with critics questioning the appropriateness of the gesture while others have defended it as a demonstration of inclusive leadership.

Public Reactions

Social media users offered contrasting perspectives on the visit:

Amoka commented: “Sheikh Pantami Visits Church earlier today in his hometown in Gombe . What politics can not do, doesn’t exist.”

Ibrahim expressed surprise at the political dynamics, stating: “Omo! Fear Politics oo.”

Beatrice offered a lighter take, remarking: “This country na Cruise I swear.”

Others saw the visit through a more unifying lens. Paul noted: “Leadership is for all,” while Isaac Ebiloma emphasized common humanity: “We were humans before religious differences. Politics or not, it’s ok to visit others and sympathize with them.”

The visit comes amid Pantami’s gubernatorial campaign in Gombe State, where religious and ethnic considerations often feature prominently in political discourse. The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has faced scrutiny throughout his political career regarding his religious identity and its intersection with public service.

The ECWA church community has yet to issue an official statement regarding the visit or the extent of damage caused by the fire incident.

Elder statesman, Inuwa Waya, has congratulated the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, following Kano State’s emergence as the highest-ranked sub-national government in education among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a congratulatory statement he personally signed, Waya described the recognition as a historic achievement and commended Governor Yusuf’s leadership, saying the award reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to repositioning the education sector through strategic investments and sound policies.

According to Waya, the prestigious recognition was conferred through the University of Paris’ Sub-National Education Spending Index, which ranked Kano State ahead of 209 first-level sub-national governments across the 15 ECOWAS member states. He said the feat represents a significant endorsement of the governor’s vision and deliberate commitment to making education the foundation for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

Waya stated that Kano’s emergence as the leading sub-national government in education across ECOWAS demonstrates that purposeful leadership, prudent management of public resources, and well-articulated policies can deliver measurable outcomes capable of attracting both national and international recognition.

The elder statesman further attributed the achievement to Governor Yusuf’s declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector and the administration’s unprecedented budgetary commitment, noting that 29.5 percent of the state’s 2024 budget and 30 percent of the 2025 budget were allocated to education. Waya said the investments have translated into tangible improvements across the sector.

According to Waya, since assuming office, Governor Yusuf has embarked on an ambitious programme that includes the construction of new schools, renovation of old and dilapidated classrooms, recruitment and training of teachers, as well as the provision of essential teaching and learning facilities. He said these interventions have revitalised the education system and established a strong foundation for future generations.

Waya also noted that the international recognition extends beyond the Kano State Government, describing it as a source of pride for the people of Kano State and Nigeria. He maintained that the honour reinforces the importance of sustained investment in education as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.

Waya said he joined millions of Nigerians, including the British High Commission in Nigeria, in congratulating Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the people of Kano State on what he described as a well-deserved honour. He expressed confidence that the recognition would further inspire the state government to sustain its reforms and consolidate the gains recorded in the education sector.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted a three-day extension to political parties for the submission of candidate names for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The deadline, initially set to expire at midnight on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has been moved to Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The commission announced the adjustment in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the extension was necessitated by a formal appeal from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which cited difficulties encountered by several parties in uploading the required names and personal particulars of their aspirants within the original timeframe.

In the statement, INEC emphasized that the decision underscores its dedication to an inclusive electoral process while remaining strictly within the bounds of the law. The commission reaffirmed that the adjustment is a responsive measure to the operational challenges raised by the political parties.

INEC has consequently urged all political parties to make the most of this additional window to finalize their submissions.

“The Commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” Haruna added.