More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his re-election ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the mass exodus of skilled professionals.
The clerics made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of a national conference held in Kano State on Sunday, where participants assessed the state of the nation under Tinubu’s administration and its implications for the 2027 elections.
The conference, themed “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” was organised by Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.
The participants criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, faulting policies such as petrol subsidy removal, changes to the naira exchange-rate regime, electricity tariff increases and tax reforms, which they said had compounded the financial difficulties facing ordinary Nigerians.
According to the communiqué, the clerics expressed concern that the administration had continued to prioritise revenue generation despite the rising cost of living, unemployment and the growing difficulties faced by households across the country.
“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 communiqué stated.
The clerics warned that Tinubu’s re-election bid would be inappropriate if his administration failed to reverse policies they considered harmful to citizens and introduce measures capable of easing economic hardship.
They urged the President to review the affected policies and provide relief for Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities, warning against another four-year term without significant improvements in the country’s economic conditions.
The conference also expressed concern over persistent killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks in different parts of the country, particularly in the North-West and other areas affected by banditry and insecurity.
The clerics called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, insisting that the administration must address the security challenges confronting the country.
They further urged Tinubu to reconsider his presidential ambition if he could not tackle the concerns raised at the conference, asking Nigerians to reject his candidacy if he insisted on seeking another term.
“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 communiqué added.
The clerics also raised the alarm over the continued departure of Nigerian professionals, including doctors, teachers and engineers, attributing the trend to unemployment, poor working conditions, inadequate facilities and broader economic challenges.
They called for improved salaries, better working environments and greater opportunities for professional development to encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return home and contribute to national development.
Among those who presented papers at the conference were Dr Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Professor 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, Barrister El-Zubair, Dr Yahuza Getso, Professor Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, Dr Umar Dokaji and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis, also known as Abu Haisam.
The conference also urged Islamic scholars to uphold justice, speak truth to power and resist attempts by politicians to use religious leaders as political instruments.
It stressed that religious leaders should commend good governance and condemn wrongdoing regardless of the political party, ethnicity or religion of those involved.
The clerics further urged Nigerians to place national interest above partisan, ethnic and regional considerations in the 2027 elections.
They advised voters to assess candidates based on their experience, integrity, competence and policy proposals rather than political affiliation or ethnic and regional identities.
According to the communiqué, the forthcoming elections should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to elect leaders capable of tackling economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, injustice and underdevelopment while creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.