Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has alleged that certain government officials are plotting against him and using state institutions to harass his supporters as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather pace in Gombe State.
Pantami, who was recently unveiled as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the state, made the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday following a thank-you tour of Shongom, Kaltungo and Billiri Local Government Areas.
According to him, the visit attracted significant support from residents and party faithful, a development he claimed had unsettled some political interests in the state.
He alleged that an unnamed individual had begun making inquiries about his movements after the tour and was planning actions aimed at disrupting his activities.
“On Monday, we commenced a thank-you visit and meetings with our party leaders in Shongom, Kaltungo and Billiri Local Government Areas. The reception was a huge success, and our citizens in the three LGAs received us with remarkable hospitality,” Pantami said.
“He saw the videos and became worried because his assumptions failed. As a result, he started seeking details of our itinerary to make plans against us. How can those entrusted with protecting the people be plotting against those they govern?”
The former minister insisted that his engagements across the state were lawful and protected by the Constitution, citing Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement for Nigerian citizens.
He also disclosed that the next phase of his consultations would take him to Akko, Balanga and Yamaltu-Deba local government areas.
Pantami further accused unnamed authorities of intimidating members of his political movement through government agencies and threatening some of them with arrest because of their support for him.
According to him, such actions amount to a violation of the constitutional right to freedom of association.
The former minister also claimed there were attempts to prevent the circulation of information concerning alleged payments made to some Hausa musicians, arguing that efforts to suppress the issue would not succeed.
He urged his supporters not to be discouraged by what he described as intimidation tactics and called on security agencies and relevant institutions to investigate the alleged threats.
“We urge our party leaders, supporters and members of the Pantamiyya Movement not to be intimidated. We also call on the appropriate authorities to identify and monitor those planning harmful actions against others,” he said.
Pantami cited both Islamic and Christian scriptures to encourage his followers to remain steadfast despite the challenges.
A former minister under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Pantami has in recent months stepped up political consultations and grassroots engagements across Gombe State, further intensifying discussions about the state’s political direction ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Leave a Reply