1,000 Islamic Clerics Advise Tinubu to Drop Re-election Bid

More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have asked President Bola Tinubu to abandon his re-election bid. They cited economic hardship, insecurity and the continued exodus of skilled Nigerians.

The demand was contained in a communique from a national conference in Kano State on Sunday. The conference was titled An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections.

The clerics gathered under the platform Ko Da Naka – For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development. They worked with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.

The group criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, increases in electricity tariffs and tax policies. They said the measures have worsened hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

“It is unfortunate that the government has continued to insist on pursuing these policies, which are increasing hardship among the people, rather than reviewing and correcting them,” the clerics said.

They accused the government of prioritising revenue generation while living costs and unemployment rise. They resolved that re-electing the Tinubu administration in 2027 would be inappropriate if the policies remain unchanged.

Furthermore, they asked the President to reconsider his decision to contest.

“Alternatively, the president should refrain from contesting the 2027 election. If he refuses to do so, it is incumbent upon citizens to reject his candidacy and allow those whom they believe can provide better leadership,” the communique stated.

Insecurity And Brain Drain

The conference raised issues over continued killings, kidnappings, banditry and terrorism. The clerics called for urgent action, especially in the North-West.

They said Nigerians should not endure another term of the same policies while families struggle and promised relief remains out of reach.

The clerics also expressed concern over the departure of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals. They attributed the trend to unemployment, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions and economic difficulties.

They called on the government to improve salaries, working conditions and professional development. Giving incentives to encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return was also in their list of demands.

Among those who presented papers were Dr Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid, Dr Aminu Isma’il Sagagi and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis, also known as Abu Haisam.

The clerics asked Islamic scholars to speak truth to power and resist being used as political tools. They said religious leaders should commend good governance and criticise wrongdoing regardless of party, ethnicity or religion.

Ahead of 2027, they asked Nigerians to place national interest above partisan, ethnic and regional considerations. They said voters should assess candidates on experience, integrity, competence and policy proposals.