Rarara’s New Song Targeting Ex Minister Pantami Sparks Backlash

Popular Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara, has come under heavy criticism following the release of a new political song targeting former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, ahead of the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.

The song, released on Thursday, praises the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Jamilu Gwamna, while making allegations against Pantami, the governorship candidate of the Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The track has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many critics arguing that instead of damaging Pantami’s political standing, it has attracted sympathy for the former minister and boosted his public profile.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, condemned the tone of the song, lamenting what he described as the decline of political discourse in Northern Nigeria.

According to Dalung, political music in the region once served as a tool for civic education, mobilisation and inspiration but has increasingly become a platform for personal attacks and character assassination.

“There was a time when political songs in the North inspired, educated and mobilised. Even the harshest praise singers understood there were lines that decent people simply did not cross. Today, it seems those lines have disappeared,” Dalung said.

He stressed that public figures should be criticised based on facts rather than unverified allegations or insults.

“The North prides itself on adabi (good manners), kunya (modesty), and respect for human dignity. Those values should not disappear because someone holds a different political opinion.

“If Sheikh Pantami is wrong, challenge him with facts. If his politics are inconsistent, expose the inconsistencies. If his public statements deserve scrutiny, scrutinise them,” he added.

Dalung also warned against double standards in political debates, saying supporters who celebrate personal attacks against opponents would likely condemn similar conduct if directed at politicians they support.

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“Principles are only meaningful when they apply equally to friends and opponents. Politics will come and go, but once indecency becomes an accepted campaign strategy, rebuilding a culture of respectful disagreement becomes much harder,” he said.

Reacting separately, Adamawa-based commentator Abdulaziz Jauro described the song as an abuse of artistic influence, accusing Rarara of using his popularity to spread insults rather than promote constructive public engagement.

He argued that disguising personal attacks as artistic expression does not transform them into meaningful political commentary but instead weakens public discourse.

Lawyer and rights activist Nuhu Dantani also cautioned the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Gwamna, against relying on such campaign tactics, warning that the song may have strengthened Pantami’s political appeal instead of weakening it.

“I am a supporter of Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, but if he loses the 2027 governorship election, Rarara should accept part of the responsibility,” Dantani said.

“In trying to attack Professor Pantami, he only succeeded in increasing his popularity and earning him greater public respect. The impact of that mistake may become evident on election day.”

The controversy has reignited debate over the role of political music in Nigeria’s democratic process, with many observers calling for campaigns centred on issues and policies rather than personal attacks.