Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has claimed that some unnamed government officials are against him and are intimidating his supporters during his thank-you tour in Gombe State.
Pantami made these claims in a statement released on Tuesday, after visiting Shongom, Kaltungo, and Billiri Local Government Areas on Monday to meet party leaders and supporters.
This statement comes as political activities in Gombe State heat up ahead of the 2027 general elections. Consultations and grassroots engagements are increasing in the local government areas throughout the state.
Pantami alleged that the success of his visit has caused worry for an unnamed individual, who he accused of trying to gather information about his movements for harmful purposes.
He said, “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 insisted that he has a constitutional right to move freely around the country. He also shared details of his upcoming engagements.
Quoting the Constitution, he stated, “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.”
Pantami further accused unnamed authorities of using government resources to intimidate his supporters because they are loyal to him.
He continued, “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.”
He also mentioned attempts to hide information about payments made to some Hausa musicians. “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?”
Calling on his supporters to stay strong, the former minister urged security agencies and relevant institutions to look into the alleged threats. “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 stated.
Pantami also quoted from the Quran and the Bible to motivate 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 efforts 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, who was Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has remained active in politics since leaving office. Recently, he has stepped up engagements with political leaders and supporters across Gombe State, raising speculation about his future role in the state’s politics as the 2027 elections approach.
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