2027: Northern Muslim clerics threaten to reject Tinubu over insecurity, hardship

ABUJA — A group of about 1,000 northern Islamic clerics has called on President Bola Tinubu to shelve his 2027 re-election bid unless his administration takes decisive steps to address insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

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

The conference was organised by Ko Da Naka, an organisation whose stated objective is “the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development,” in partnership with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.

Among those who delivered papers at the event were Dr Abdulmuɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof. Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid, Dr Aminu Isma’il Sagagi, Dr Najibullah Abdallah Nuhu and Sheikh Abdurrazaq Uba Musa.

Also listed were Sheikh Musa Muhd Ɗan Kwano, Barr. El-Zubair, Dr Yahuza Getso, Prof. Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, Dr Umar Dokaji and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis (Abu Haisam).

After deliberations covering security, the economy, skilled migration, the role of Islamic scholars and the 2027 elections, the participants called on the Tinubu administration to urgently tackle the challenges facing Nigerians.

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.”

Insecurity drives call against 2027 bid

The clerics expressed particular concern over killings, kidnappings and terrorist activities in the North-West and other parts of the country.

They urged the Federal Government to take immediate measures to restore security, warning that failure to do so should influence Nigerians to reject Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The group said citizens should instead give an opportunity to leaders they believe have the capacity to provide better leadership.

The clerics also took aim at the government’s economic policies, which they said had worsened the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

They specifically cited the removal of the fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, increases in electricity tariffs and tax reforms.

“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,” the communiqué stated.

The participants, according to the clerics, “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.”

Group raises alarm over brain drain

The conference also focused on the growing departure of Nigerian professionals from the country.

The clerics expressed concern about the continued migration of doctors, teachers, engineers and other skilled workers, linking the trend to unemployment, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions and economic difficulties.

They called for improved salaries, better working environments and stronger professional development opportunities to encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return.

Religious leaders urged to remain independent

The clerics further urged Islamic and other religious scholars to uphold truth and justice and resist attempts to turn them into political tools.

They said scholars should support policies that benefit the people while criticising wrongdoing, irrespective of the political party, ethnic background or religion of those in government.

The conference also urged Nigerians to place national interest above party, ethnic and regional considerations when deciding who should lead the country.

According to the clerics, voters should evaluate candidates on the basis of experience, integrity, competence and the policies they intend to implement.

“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 said.

Africans Angle News