Northern Muslim Clerics Warn Tinubu: Drop 2027 Bid or Face Rejection
More than 1,000 Islamic clerics in Kano have delivered a blunt warning to President Bola Tinubu: drop his 2027 re-election bid if economic hardship and insecurity persist, or risk rejection at the polls.
The clerics issued the warning at a national conference on the state of the nation under Tinubu and the 2027 general elections.
The development puts criticism of Tinubu’s administration directly within a northern Muslim setting as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In their communique, the clerics faulted the government’s handling of the economy.
They cited the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate regime, higher electricity tariffs and tax reforms.
According to them, the policies have increased the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
The clerics also raised concerns over killings, kidnappings, banditry and terrorism, particularly across the North-West.
They urged the Federal Government to take urgent measures to improve security and address the worsening conditions confronting citizens.
The group said Tinubu should reconsider his 2027 ambition if his administration failed to tackle the challenges identified at the conference.
“Alternatively, the President should refrain from contesting the 2027 election,” the communique stated.
It added that citizens should reject his candidacy if he refused to do so.
The clerics also criticised the continued migration of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers and other skilled professionals.
They attributed the exodus to unemployment, poor working conditions, inadequate facilities and broader economic difficulties.
They urged the government to improve salaries and working conditions and create incentives for skilled Nigerians abroad to return home.
Ahead of the 2027 election, the clerics urged Islamic scholars to speak truth to power and resist attempts to turn religious leaders into political instruments.
They also called on voters to judge candidates by their experience, integrity, competence and policy proposals rather than ethnic, religious or regional affiliation.