The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has declared that it will not recognise or legitimise elections conducted under questionable circumstances, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process must be protected as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made during the Council’s Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja.
The gathering brought together Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, representatives of Islamic organisations, and members of the media.
Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Council, emphasised that public confidence in institutions, especially those overseeing elections, is central to national stability.
“The Council has clearly stated that the Ummah will not recognise or legitimise any election presided over by a character with questionable integrity, as democratic credibility must never be compromised,” Umar said.
The Council expressed concern over developments surrounding the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that elections conducted under compromised conditions would lack public trust.
Nigeria’s Challenges Beyond Elections
Beyond electoral matters, the Shari’ah Council painted a troubling picture of Nigeria’s current state. It cited worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public trust, with millions struggling under inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs.
“Nigeria today stands at a critical crossroads. The nation faces worsening insecurity, loss of lives, economic hardship, erosion of public trust, and deep social anxiety,” Umar said.
On insecurity and terrorism, the Council condemned violence in all its forms and called for effective security measures and peaceful reconciliation.
Umar noted that Muslim communities have been disproportionately affected by ongoing violence, while stressing that every human life, whether Muslim or Christian, is sacred.
The Council rejected misleading narratives around religious violence, including claims of a so-called “Christian genocide.” It urged responsible public discourse to prevent further division among Nigerians.
On economic governance, the Council criticised aspects of Nigeria’s tax reforms, budget implementation, and mis-prioritisation of critical institutions in the 2025 and 2026 budgets.
“The Council firmly opposes any tax reform that imposes unjust hardship on ordinary Nigerians and insists that all fiscal policies must be equitable, humane, and socially responsible,” Umar said.
The Council also decried systemic imbalance in federal appointments, warning that such practices undermine constitutional equity and national cohesion.
Religious Rights and Global Concerns
Regarding religious rights, the Council reaffirmed that the implementation of Shari’ah is a constitutional right of Muslims and stressed peaceful coexistence.
“Islam is Shari’ah, as there is no Islam without Shari’ah, and Muslims will not accept any constitutional amendment that falls short of granting Muslims their right,” Umar stated.
The Council condemned the ongoing war in Gaza, describing it as genocide, and expressed concern over what it called global silence on the suffering of Palestinians. It advocated for justice and humanitarian access to the region.
Mallam Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru reaffirmed the Council’s role as a principled and courageous voice for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, promoting justice, unity, and national stability.
As Ramadan approaches, the Council urged Islamic scholars to use Tafseer sessions to foster unity, moral reformation, responsible civic engagement, and ethical leadership. It stressed that national renewal requires moral responsibility.
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