By Miriam Humbe
Nigeria’s foremost election monitoring group, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has strongly condemned recent comments allegedly made by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, warning that any statement capable of inciting violence or unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman of TMG, the organisation described the remarks credited to Sheikh Pantami regarding electoral outcomes in Gombe State and the country at large as inflammatory, irresponsible, and dangerous, particularly coming from a prominent religious and political figure.
According to TMG, statements suggesting resistance or confrontation if electoral outcomes do not favour certain interests undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and could embolden 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.”
TMG stressed that elections must be decided at the ballot box through transparent and lawful processes rather than through coercion, manipulation, or violence.
The organisation equally condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians resulting from political violence, party primaries, and the desperation of politicians to capture and retain political positions at all costs.
TMG stated that politicians and political actors must refrain from actions and utterances capable of bringing additional suffering to Nigerians, who are already facing severe economic hardship, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment.
The organisation noted with concern that politics and political leadership in Nigeria have become excessively commercialised even before the general elections, as party primaries are increasingly driven by money, manipulation, and selfish political interests rather than competence, integrity, and service to the people.
TMG further warned that the extreme desperation of some politicians to retain power threatens 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.
TMG further emphasised the responsibility of religious leaders to promote peace, unity, tolerance, and national cohesion.
The organisation noted that religious platforms should never be used to inflame political tensions, spread divisive rhetoric, or encourage actions capable of destabilising 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 statement said.
TMG also urged political and religious actors to focus on addressing the pressing challenges confronting Nigerians, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and social injustice.
Reaffirming its commitment to electoral integrity, TMG urged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and engaging peacefully during the 2027 elections.
The organisation also called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold neutrality, fairness, and the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
TMG warned against the use of violence, hate speech, ethnic or religious division, political thuggery, and the abuse of state institutions for electoral advantage.
“The 2027 elections must be anchored on integrity, transparency, accountability, and the genuine will of the Nigerian people,” the organisation declared. “Nigeria’s democracy can only progress when leaders place national interest above personal ambition.”
TMG pledged to continue monitoring the political and pre-election environment closely and to report actions capable of undermining electoral credibility or threatening peaceful democratic participation. Signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Chairman Transition Monitoring Group ( TMG)
