The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has alleged that his supporters are being intimidated and threatened as he continues his post-election thank-you tour across the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Pantami said the first phase of the tour, which covered Shongom, Kaltungo and Billiri Local Government Areas on Monday, recorded what he described as an overwhelming reception from residents and party faithful.
According to him, the large turnout at the events had unsettled unnamed political opponents, whom he accused of seeking details of his itinerary to allegedly disrupt subsequent visits.
“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 world-class hospitality,” he said.
Pantami further alleged that there were plans to interfere with his movement and those of his supporters, describing such actions as unconstitutional.
He cited Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country, insisting that no one should be prevented from carrying out lawful political activities.
The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy also announced that his thank-you tour would continue in Akko, Balanga and Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Areas.
He claimed to have received information about alleged plans by political opponents, working through unidentified individuals, to frustrate activities in Akko Local Government Area.
Pantami also accused unnamed government officials of using state institutions to intimidate his supporters and threaten them with arrest because of their political allegiance.
According to him, such actions violate Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of association.
He further alleged that some supporters had been warned against sharing information online relating to alleged payments made to Hausa musicians from Kano, claiming that details of the transactions had already become public.
Calling on members of the “Pantamiyya Movement” to remain steadfast, Pantami urged them not to be intimidated by what he described as “evil plans.”
He also appealed to relevant security and government institutions to investigate alleged attempts to undermine the constitutional rights of citizens and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Pantami concluded his message by quoting verses from the Qur’an (Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:139) and the Bible (Isaiah 41:10), encouraging his supporters to remain hopeful and unwavering in their faith.
The individuals and institutions referenced in Pantami’s allegations had not responded publicly to the claims at the time of filing this report. S24 TV could not independently verify the allegations.
