By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Transition Monitoring Group has called on religious leaders and political actors to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric capable of undermining peace and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation expressed concern over comments allegedly linked to former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, describing any remarks capable of inciting unrest or political confrontation as dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic process.
TMG stated that statements suggesting resistance or conflict over electoral outcomes could erode public trust in democratic institutions and encourage violence during the electoral cycle.
The group stressed that democracy can only thrive through peaceful participation, transparent elections, and respect for the will of the electorate rather than through threats, intimidation, or inflammatory utterances.
According to the organisation, electoral contests must be determined strictly through lawful and credible processes at the ballot box, not through coercion, violence, or manipulation.
TMG also condemned the recurring incidents of violence and loss of lives associated with political activities, including party primaries and struggles for political power, warning that such actions continue to deepen national instability.
The organisation urged politicians and political stakeholders to avoid statements and actions capable of worsening the hardship already confronting Nigerians, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and economic challenges.
It further lamented what it described as the growing commercialization of politics in Nigeria, noting that political contests and party primaries are increasingly influenced by money, personal ambition, and manipulation rather than competence, integrity, and public service.
TMG warned that the desperation by some political actors to retain power at all costs poses a serious threat to democratic governance and national unity.
The group also emphasized that public office holders must remain transparent and accountable to citizens, insisting that accountability remains a cornerstone of any functional democracy.
Addressing religious leaders specifically, the organisation stressed the need for clerics and faith-based influencers to use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance, unity, and national cohesion rather than deepen political or ethnic divisions.
TMG maintained that religious platforms should never be deployed to spread hate speech, inflame tensions, or encourage actions capable of destabilising the electoral process.
The statement noted that religious leaders occupy positions of moral responsibility and must therefore serve as role models in encouraging peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility, and democratic engagement.
The organisation further urged both political and religious leaders to focus attention on addressing the critical issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and social injustice.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, TMG encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote, obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards, and engaging peacefully during the 2027 polls.
The group also called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission to uphold fairness, neutrality, and the rule of law throughout the electoral process.
TMG warned against political violence, hate speech, ethnic and religious division, thuggery, and the misuse of state institutions for political advantage.
According to the organisation, the 2027 general elections must be guided by transparency, integrity, accountability, and the genuine wishes of the Nigerian people, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy can only advance when leaders place national interest above personal ambition.
The group pledged to sustain close monitoring of the political environment and continue reporting activities capable of threatening peaceful democratic participation or undermining electoral credibility.
