By Chimezie Godfrey
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has condemned alleged comments attributed to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, warning that inflammatory political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of TMG, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation described the alleged remarks concerning electoral outcomes in Gombe State and the country as “irresponsible” and “dangerous,” particularly because they were allegedly made by a prominent religious and political figure.
According to the group, statements capable of encouraging confrontation or resistance over electoral outcomes undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and could fuel 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 election monitoring group stressed that elections must be determined through lawful and transparent democratic processes rather than coercion, manipulation or violence.
TMG also condemned the growing incidents of political violence and killings linked to party primaries and political desperation across the country.
According to the organisation, politicians and political actors must avoid actions capable of worsening the suffering of Nigerians already grappling with insecurity, poverty, unemployment and economic hardship.
The group expressed concern over what it described as the increasing commercialisation of politics and party primaries in Nigeria.
TMG said political contests were increasingly being dominated by money, manipulation and selfish interests instead of competence, integrity and service delivery.
“Public office holders must remain accountable to the Nigerian people. Transparency and accountability are essential pillars of democratic governance,” the statement added.
The organisation further warned that the desperation by some politicians to retain power at all costs poses serious threats to democratic values and national stability.
TMG also emphasised the role of religious leaders in promoting peace, tolerance and national cohesion.
According to the organisation, religious platforms should not be used to spread divisive political rhetoric or inflame tensions capable of destabilising the electoral 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.
The group urged political and religious leaders to focus on addressing pressing national challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, poverty and social injustice.
Reaffirming its commitment to electoral integrity, TMG encouraged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process by registering to vote, collecting their Permanent Voter Cards and engaging peacefully during the 2027 elections.
The organisation also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies and the judiciary to uphold fairness, neutrality and the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
TMG warned against violence, hate speech, ethnic and religious division, political thuggery and 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 organisation stated.
TMG added that it would continue monitoring the political and pre-election environment and report activities capable of undermining electoral credibility or peaceful democratic participation.
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