TMG Faults Alleged Inciting Remarks by Pantami, Calls for Peaceful 2027 Polls

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has condemned comments allegedly made by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, warning that statements capable of inciting unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the group, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the election monitoring organisation described the remarks credited to Pantami concerning electoral outcomes in Gombe State and across the country as dangerous and inflammatory.

The group said comments suggesting confrontation or resistance over election results could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and encourage political violence.

“TMG condemns in the strongest possible terms any rhetoric capable of encouraging electoral violence, intimidation, or unrest,” the organisation stated.

“Democracy thrives through peaceful participation, credible elections, and respect for the will of the people, not threats, desperation, or incitement.”

The organisation stressed that elections should be determined through lawful and transparent processes rather than violence, coercion or manipulation.

TMG also condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians linked to political violence, party primaries and what it described as the desperation of politicians to gain and retain power at all costs.

According to the group, political actors must avoid statements and actions capable of worsening the hardship already being faced by citizens struggling with insecurity, poverty, unemployment and economic difficulties.

The organisation expressed concern over what it described as the growing commercialisation of politics and political leadership in the country, alleging that party primaries are increasingly influenced by money and selfish interests instead of competence and service.

TMG warned that the desperation of some politicians to remain in power poses a danger to democratic values and national stability.

“Public office holders must remain accountable to the Nigerian people. Transparency and accountability are essential pillars of democratic governance,” the statement added.

The group further called on religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance and national unity rather than inflame political tensions through divisive comments.

According to TMG, religious platforms should not be used to spread hate, encourage unrest or destabilise the democratic process.

“Religious leaders occupy positions of moral authority and must lead by example in promoting peaceful coexistence, democratic values, and responsible civic engagement,” the organisation stated.

It urged political and religious leaders to focus more attention on issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment and social injustice.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the organisation encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards and engaging peacefully during the 2027 elections.

The group also called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain neutrality and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral process.

TMG warned against violence, hate speech, political thuggery, ethnic and religious division, as well as the abuse of state institutions for political advantage.

“The 2027 elections must be anchored on integrity, transparency, accountability, and the genuine will of the Nigerian people,” the statement said.

“Nigeria’s democracy can only progress when leaders place national interest above personal ambition.”

The organisation pledged to continue monitoring political developments and the pre-election environment ahead of the 2027 polls, while reporting activities capable of undermining electoral credibility or peaceful democratic participation.