The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State has strongly condemned what it described as derogatory and defamatory remarks made by popular Hausa political musician, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, against the party’s governorship candidate, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
The party said the comments, contained in a recently released song by the singer, were disrespectful, offensive and contrary to the principles of decency, civility and healthy democratic engagement.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its State Publicity Secretary, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, the PDP said political disagreements should never serve as a justification for attacking the character, reputation or personal integrity of political opponents.
According to the party, Pantami, an internationally renowned Islamic scholar and professor, deserves to be accorded dignity and respect irrespective of political affiliation or ideological differences.
“The song is defamatory and a disgrace to the nation’s cultural values and democratic ideals. Public figures deserve respect, and their dignity should be protected,” the statement read.
The opposition party further accused Rarara of having a pattern of making disparaging remarks against notable national figures, including the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing such conduct as unbecoming of a public figure with wide influence.
The PDP also alleged that the musician’s latest attack may have been prompted by the party’s earlier criticism of the Gombe State Government over its reported donation of vehicles, plots of land and cash valued at more than ₦200 million to the singer.
The party maintained that it still considers the reported gifts an unjustifiable use of public resources at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship.
While recognising the important role musicians and entertainers play in political mobilisation, civic education and democratic participation, the PDP cautioned against the use of artists as tools for personal attacks or political vendettas.
“It is unfortunate when artists allow themselves to be used to settle political scores instead of promoting peace, unity and social cohesion,” the statement added.
The party urged political leaders across all parties to caution their supporters, associates and campaigners against making inflammatory statements capable of insulting political opponents or deepening divisions within society.
It stressed that the build-up to the 2027 general elections should centre on ideas, policies, competence and vision for governance rather than insults, hate speech and character assassination.
The PDP further called on all political actors to promote issue-based campaigns, mutual respect and responsible political discourse, insisting that democratic competition should strengthen national unity rather than fuel hostility and intolerance.
