More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his plan to seek re-election in 2027, citing economic hardship and insecurity across the country.
The position was contained in a communique issued after a conference held in Kano and titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections.”
The gathering was organised by Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.
Clerics Fault Tinubu’s Economic Policies
The Islamic clerics expressed concern over the impact of several economic policies introduced or continued under the Tinubu administration.
They specifically mentioned the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, higher electricity tariffs and tax reforms.
According to the group, the policies have increased pressure on Nigerians at a time when many families are already struggling with rising living costs and unemployment.
The clerics argued that the government should review measures they consider harmful rather than focus mainly on increasing revenue.
They also raised concerns about insecurity, including killings, kidnapping and terrorism, and called for stronger action to protect citizens.
2027: Clerics Give Condition for Tinubu’s Re-Election
The group said re-electing the current administration in 2027 would be inappropriate if the government fails to address the issues raised at the conference.
The communique called for changes to economic policies and improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
The clerics also urged religious scholars to speak truthfully about government policies and avoid becoming instruments of political interests.
They called on Nigerians to consider issues such as competence, integrity, experience, security and development when assessing candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The position comes amid differing views among Islamic organisations over Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.
JIBWIS and the Qadiriyya Sufi sect have recently been reported to have endorsed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for another term following engagements with the APC campaign leadership.