The NSCIA said rather than criticise Mr Pantami for apparent support to terrorists, Nigerians should instead interrogate Mr Gana, who served twice as information minister.
Commenters say these top opposition figures are sacrificing matters of national importance for political and religious expediency.
The minister’s supporters described the famous political activist as an unbeliever who hates Islam and Muslims on social media.
Mr Pantami’s call to Jihad and unalloyed support for murderous groups portray him as a dyed-in-the-wool Islamic fundamentalist.
“We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed,” Mr Pantami said. “But the Sharia does not allow us to kill them without a reason.”
Sudan has been designated as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1993.
