By Taiwo Scholarstica
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, has alleged that some government officials are plotting against him and intimidating his supporters as he continues his thank-you tour across parts of the state.
Pantami made the allegations in a statement issued on Tuesday following his visit on Monday to Shongom, Kaltungo and Billiri Local Government Areas, where he met with party leaders and supporters.
His remarks come at a time when political activities are increasing across Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with consultations and grassroots engagements gathering momentum in several local government areas.
According to Pantami, the outcome of the tour unsettled an unnamed individual whom he accused of making attempts to obtain details of his movements in order to carry out harmful plans against him.
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 was exercising his constitutional right to move freely within the country and revealed the next phase of his tour.
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.”
The former minister further alleged that some authorities were using government institutions to intimidate individuals who support him because of their political loyalty.
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.”
Pantami also claimed there were attempts to prevent information from being circulated regarding payments allegedly 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 remain steadfast and called on security agencies and relevant government institutions to investigate 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 encouraged his supporters by quoting from the Quran and the Bible.
“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).
Warning against attempts to diminish the influence of others, Pantami added, “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 served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has remained active in public and political affairs since leaving office.
In recent months, he has stepped up consultations with political stakeholders and supporters across Gombe State, further fuelling speculation about the role he may play in the state’s political landscape as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.