More than 1,000 Islamic clerics gathered in Kano State for a national conference titled "An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections." They expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the Tinubu administration, particularly its handling of economic and security challenges. The clerics, under the umbrella of Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, collaborated with AFAQ Educational Foundation for the conference.
The clerics faulted several economic policies of the administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate regime, increases in electricity tariffs, and tax reforms. They argued that these measures have increased the burden on ordinary Nigerians. According to the communique issued at the end of the conference, participants unanimously agreed that the government had continued to pursue policies that worsen hardship rather than reviewing measures detrimental to citizens.
The conference raised concerns over continued killings, kidnappings, and other acts of terrorism across the country. The clerics called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address insecurity, particularly in the North-West and other parts of the country affected by banditry and terrorism. They also expressed concern over the continued migration of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers, and other skilled professionals, attributing the exodus to unemployment, inadequate facilities, and poor working conditions.
The clerics urged Tinubu to reconsider his 2027 presidential ambition if his administration failed to address the challenges identified by the conference. They suggested that if he refuses to do so, citizens should reject his candidacy and allow those they believe can provide better leadership. The conference also called on Nigerians to place the country's interests above partisan, ethnic, and regional considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The clerics urged Islamic scholars to speak truth to power, defend justice, and resist attempts to turn them into political instruments. They called on religious scholars to commend good governance and criticize wrongdoing, irrespective of the political party, ethnic group, or religion of those in power. The conference further urged voters to assess political candidates based on their experience, integrity, competence, and policy proposals.
The conference featured presentations from notable scholars, including Dr. Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof. Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, and Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid. The clerics emphasized that Nigerians should use the 2027 elections to choose leaders capable of addressing hardship, insecurity, unemployment, injustice, and underdevelopment while creating conditions for greater prosperity.
The Islamic clerics' call for Tinubu to drop his re-election bid reflects growing concerns among Nigerians about the country's trajectory under his administration. With the 2027 elections approaching, the clerics' suggestions are likely to add to the debate about the country's future and the kind of leadership it needs to address its numerous challenges.
Key points
- The Islamic clerics cited worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and the exodus of skilled professionals as reasons for their call.
- The clerics urged Tinubu to reconsider his 2027 presidential ambition if his administration failed to address the challenges identified by the conference.
- The conference emphasized the need for Nigerians to place the country's interests above partisan, ethnic, and regional considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.
