The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has outrightly castigated Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, for his negative use of religion to inflame political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The TMG specifically warned that statements suggesting resistance or confrontation over election results could erode public confidence in democratic institutions and encourage political violence.
This was as the organisation expressed concern over what it described as the “growing commercialisation” of politics and party primaries, stressing that political contests are increasingly being driven by money, manipulation, and selfish interests rather than competence and service delivery.
These were contained in a statement by Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman of the Election Monitoring Group, in which it noted that statement allegedly credited to Isa Ali Pantami with regards to electoral outcomes in Gombe State and across the country were irresponsible, inflammatory, and capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
The TMG therefore condemned in the strongest terms any rhetoric capable of encouraging electoral violence, intimidation, or unrest, stressing that democracy thrives through peaceful participation, credible elections, and respect for the will of the people, not threats, desperation, or incitement.
It emphasised that the responsibility of religious leaders includes to promote peace, unity, tolerance, and national cohesion, thus warned against the use of religious platforms to inflame political tensions or spread divisive rhetoric.
The group further stated that elections must be determined through transparent and lawful processes at the ballot box, not through coercion, manipulation, or violence.
While condemning 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, TMG insisted that politicians and political actors must avoid actions and utterances capable of worsening the suffering of Nigerians already battling economic hardship, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment.
It noted that the desperation of some politicians to remain in office, poses a threat to democratic values and national stability.
According to TMG; “Public office holders must remain accountable to the Nigerian people. Transparency and accountability are essential pillars of democratic governance”.
“Religious leaders occupy positions of moral authority and must lead by example in promoting peaceful coexistence, democratic values, and responsible civic engagement,” it stated.
TMG therefore urged political and religious actors to focus on addressing insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and social injustice as against promoting divisive politics.
Specifically, 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.
TMG tasked INEC, political parties, candidates, security agencies, and the judiciary to uphold neutrality, fairness, and the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
It also warned against violence, hate speech, ethnic and religious division, political thuggery, and the abuse of state institutions for electoral advantage.
TMG insisted that the 2027 elections should be anchored on integrity, transparency, accountability, and the genuine will of the Nigerian people, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy can only progress when leaders place national interest above personal ambition.
