Northern Islamic Clerics Urge Tinubu to Drop 2027 Ambition Over Killings, Hardship

More than 1,000 northern Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re-election bid, citing persistent killings, kidnappings and terrorism, especially in the North-West, alongside widespread economic hardship.

The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after a national conference titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” held in Kano State on Sunday.

The event was organised by the clerics under the platform “Ko Da Naka” (dedicated to the struggle to promote good governance and community development), in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.

Among those who presented papers were Dr Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid, Dr Aminu Isma’il Sagagi, Dr Najibullah Abdallah Nuhu, Sheikh Abdurrazaq Uba Musa, Sheikh Musa Muhd Ɗan kwano, Brr El-Zubair, Dr Yahuza Getso, Prof Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, Dr Umar Dokaji and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis (Abu Haisam).

The communiqué stated: “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 clerics urged the Federal Government to take urgent action against insecurity in the North-West and other affected areas.

They also criticised economic policies including the removal of fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, higher electricity tariffs and tax reforms, which they said had deepened 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 government prioritised the growth of its revenue at a time when the rising cost of living and unemployment are threatening the lives and well-being of citizens,” they said.

Participants “unanimously agreed that it would be inappropriate to re-elect this government in the forthcoming 2027 general elections if it does not change its harmful economic policies.”

The clerics further expressed concern over the continued exodus of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers and other skilled professionals, linking it to unemployment, poor working conditions and the difficult economic situation.

They called for improved salaries, better facilities and policies that would encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return.

They urged religious scholars to speak truth to power, defend justice and avoid becoming political instruments, while advising Nigerians to prioritise the country’s future over party, ethnic or regional interests and to judge candidates by experience, integrity, competence and policies.

“Nigerians should not be asked to endure another term of the same policies while families struggle to meet basic needs and the promised relief remains out of reach,” the communiqué concluded.