Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, who is now the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, has accused some unnamed government officials of plotting against him and intimidating his supporters. This comes as he continues his thank-you tour around Gombe State.
Pantami shared these claims in a statement on Tuesday. This was after his visit on Monday to Shongom, Kaltungo, and Billiri Local Government Areas where he met with party leaders and supporters.
The statement arrives as political activities heat up in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections. There are many consultations and grassroots engagements taking place across the local government areas in the state.
Pantami said the success of his visit has unsettled someone he did not name. He accused this person of trying to gather information about his movements to plan harmful actions against him.
He stated, “Yesterday, 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 3 LGAs received us with world-class hospitality.
“He saw the videos and is worried because his hypothesis has failed woefully. As a result, he started asking for our itinerary to make evil plans against us. How can those who swore on the Holy Book to protect the people be planning evil against those they lead?”
Pantami emphasized that he is exercising his constitutional right to move freely in the country. He also shared details of his next engagements.
Quoting the Constitution, he said, “Freedom of movement is a constitutional right. Under Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, every citizen is entitled to move freely throughout the country and to reside in any part thereof.
“For his information, our itinerary for today is Akko, Balanga, and Yamaltu-Deba with the special grace of Allah. We also heard your special plan in Akko LGA.”
He further claimed that some authorities are using government institutions to intimidate his supporters because they are loyal to him.
He added, “He is also intimidating our supporters on a daily basis using government institutions, and even threatening them with arrest simply because of their loyalty to us. This is a clear violation of their constitutional right to freedom of association as provided in Section 40 of the Constitution.”
Pantami also mentioned attempts to silence information about payments made to some Hausa musicians. He said, “Some of our supporters have been asked to stop posting or sharing any information regarding the huge sums of money given to Hausa singers from Kano. How can we suppress a story when one of them has left the group and revealed the facts and figures?”
He urged his supporters to stay strong in the face of these threats. He called on security agencies and relevant authorities to look into the issues he raised. “We urge our party leaders, supporters, and all members of the Pantamiyya Movement not to be intimidated by these evil plans. We also call on the relevant government institutions to monitor and identify those who are planning evil against others,” he said.
Pantami quoted passages from the Quran and the Bible to inspire his supporters. “So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are believers.” (Surah Ali ‘Imran: Ayah 139).
He also quoted the Bible, saying, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you…” (Isaiah 41:10).
Pantami warned against trying to undermine others’ popularity, saying, “Any attempt to appropriate or denigrate the popularity of others will backfire and further undermine your own standing. May Allah continue to expose evil planners in our society and bring them to ridicule.”
Pantami served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He has stayed active in politics since leaving office. Recently, he has increased his engagements with political leaders and supporters in Gombe State. This has led to speculation about his role in the state's political scene ahead of the 2027 elections.
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