TMG Condemns Alleged Inciting Comments by Pantami, Urges Peaceful 2027 Elections
Nigeria’s foremost election monitoring coalition, the Transition Monitoring Group, has condemned alleged comments by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, describing them as capable of inciting unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by TMG Chairman, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said the remarks reportedly attributed to Pantami concerning electoral outcomes in Gombe State and across the country were inflammatory and dangerous, especially coming from a prominent religious and political figure.
TMG warned that statements suggesting resistance or confrontation over election outcomes could undermine confidence in democratic institutions and encourage political violence.
The group stressed that democracy should be driven by peaceful participation, credible elections, and respect for the will of the people rather than threats, intimidation, or violence.
The organisation also condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians linked to political violence, party primaries, and what it described as the desperation of politicians to secure and retain power at all costs.
According to TMG, political actors must avoid actions and statements capable of worsening the hardship already faced by Nigerians amid insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and economic difficulties.
The group further expressed concern over what it described as the excessive commercialisation of politics and party primaries, noting that money and manipulation now appear to overshadow competence, integrity, and service.
TMG also urged religious leaders to promote peace, unity, and national cohesion, warning against the use of religious platforms to inflame political tensions or spread divisive rhetoric.
The organisation called on Nigerians to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process by registering to vote and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, the judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission to uphold fairness, neutrality, and the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
TMG warned against hate speech, ethnic and religious division, political thuggery, and the abuse of state institutions for electoral gain, insisting that the 2027 elections must reflect integrity, transparency, accountability, and the genuine will of Nigerians.
The group pledged to continue monitoring the political and pre-election environment and to report actions capable of undermining electoral credibility or threatening peaceful democratic participation.