The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has condemned alleged comments by the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, warning against the use of religion to inflame political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by TMG Chairman, Auwal Rafsanjani, the election monitoring group described remarks allegedly credited to Pantami concerning electoral outcomes in Gombe State and across the country as inflammatory, irresponsible, and capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
TMG warned that statements suggesting resistance or confrontation over election results could erode 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 group stressed that elections must be determined through transparent and lawful processes at the ballot box, not through coercion, manipulation, or violence.
TMG also condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians linked to political violence, party primaries, and what it described as the desperation of politicians to capture and retain power at all costs.
According to the organisation, politicians and political actors must avoid actions and utterances capable of worsening the suffering of Nigerians already battling economic hardship, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment.
The group further expressed concern over what it called the growing commercialisation of politics and party primaries, saying political contests are increasingly driven by money, manipulation, and selfish interests rather than competence and service delivery.
TMG warned that the desperation of some politicians to remain in office poses a threat 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 organisation also emphasised the responsibility of religious leaders to promote peace, unity, tolerance, and national cohesion, warning against the use of religious platforms to inflame political tensions or spread divisive rhetoric.
“Religious leaders occupy positions of moral authority and must lead by example in promoting peaceful coexistence, democratic values, and responsible civic engagement,” TMG stated.
The group urged political and religious actors to focus on addressing insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and social injustice rather than promoting divisive politics.
Reaffirming its commitment to electoral integrity, TMG called on Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process by registering to vote, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and engaging peacefully during the 2027 elections.
The organisation also urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, the judiciary, and the (INEC) to uphold neutrality, fairness, and the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
TMG warned against violence, hate speech, ethnic and 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.”
