The Transition Monitoring Group has raised concerns over what it described as potentially inciting political remarks allegedly linked to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, warning that such statements could heighten tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Chairman, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the group said the alleged comments concerning electoral outcomes in Gombe State and other parts of the country were inflammatory and capable of undermining democratic stability.
The organisation cautioned that rhetoric suggesting confrontation or resistance over election results could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions and increase the risk of political unrest.
TMG stressed that democracy must be upheld through peaceful participation, credible elections, and respect for the will of voters, rather than intimidation or threats of violence.
Read also:
- Delta Land Dispute: A call for lasting solution
- Delta calls for calm in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku communities over land dispute
- 2 communities sign peace accord to end 29-year-old land dispute in Delta
The group also condemned incidents of electoral violence and politically motivated killings, particularly during party primaries, describing them as symptoms of increasing desperation among political actors.
According to the statement, the growing influence of money politics and the commercialisation of political processes were also distorting leadership selection and weakening democratic values in the country.
TMG urged religious leaders to promote unity, peace, and tolerance, warning against the use of religious platforms to spread divisive political messages.
It further called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure neutrality, fairness, and strict adherence to the rule of law throughout the 2027 electoral cycle.
The group encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by registering and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards, while pledging continued monitoring of the political environment ahead of the elections.
