Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has denounced what he called attempts to undermine the integrity of upcoming direct primaries in which he is a candidate. In a statement released on Saturday, the professor said that organized efforts were being made to disrupt the “free, fair and credible” selection process.
The statement, signed on behalf of Professor Suleiman Mohammed of the Pantami Movement, warned that “sponsored petitions and press conferences” were likely to be mounted by individuals fearing the outcome of the primaries. Pantami said his camp expected coordinated media attacks designed to delegitimize the exercise.
Pantami also disclosed that certain actors had offered financial inducements to influence the primaries. According to the statement, “some of those who were hired and offered money rejected the offer and disclosed the agenda,” suggesting that the alleged scheme was exposed from within.
The professor referred to a televised interview aired the previous day, saying it answered “the relevant questions” raised by the media. While the interview’s specifics were not detailed, Pantami implied that the program clarified his position and countered misinformation circulating about the primaries.
In urging calm among his supporters, Pantami emphasized a non‑violent, prayerful approach. “Our supporters should always remain calm, peaceful and prayerful in all situations,” he wrote, adding that any escalation would only serve those seeking to destabilize the process.
The remarks come as Nigeria’s political parties prepare for a series of direct primaries scheduled for the coming weeks. Election officials have repeatedly stressed the need for transparency and adherence to electoral regulations, while opposition groups have called for heightened scrutiny of party internal affairs.
Observers note that allegations of financial inducement and political pressure are not new in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, but the public condemnation by a high‑profile candidate underscores the heightened stakes of this particular primary cycle. The outcome could shape the balance of power within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
If the concerns raised by Pantami prove substantive, election authorities may be compelled to investigate potential breaches of the Electoral Act. Conversely, failure to substantiate the claims could bolster the credibility of the primaries and reinforce confidence in the party’s internal democracy.
As the date for the direct primaries approaches, all eyes remain on how the alleged disruptions will be addressed and whether the process will indeed unfold “free, fair and credible,” as asserted by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
