Nigeria, April 19 -- My The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the dismissal of Nigeria's Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, over statements he made in the past in support of Islamic extremist groups.

Audio recordings of Mr Pantami's past teachings where he declared support for Al-Qaeda and Taliban resurfaced last week, generating debates on social media platforms with many Nigerians calling for his removal and others defending him.

Mr Pantami, an Islamic cleric, denied any links with the groups. He, however, admitted making the controversial statements supporting the groups but said on Saturday that his views on such extremist groups have changed.

"Some of the comments I made some years ago that are ...