More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon his plan to seek re-election in the 2027 presidential election, citing worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria.
The clerics made the call in a communique issued at the end of a national conference titled, “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” held in Kano State on Sunday.
The clerics, under the umbrella of Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, in collaboration with AFAQ Educational Foundation, expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the Tinubu administration and its handling of the country’s economic and security challenges.
They 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, saying the measures had increased the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
According to the communique, participants unanimously agreed that the government had continued to pursue policies that were worsening hardship rather than reviewing measures they considered detrimental to citizens.
“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.
“Consequently, participants at the conference 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,” the communique read in part.
The clerics said the administration should reverse what they described as harmful economic policies and provide relief to Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living.
They added that Nigerians should not be expected to endure another term of policies they believe have left families struggling to meet basic needs while promised relief remained out of reach.
The conference also 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 further urged Tinubu to reconsider his 2027 presidential ambition if his administration failed to address the challenges identified by the conference.
“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 communique stated.
The conference also expressed concern over the continued migration of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers and other skilled professionals. The clerics attributed the exodus to unemployment, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions and the broader economic difficulties confronting the country.
They urged the government to improve salaries, working conditions and professional development opportunities, while creating incentives capable of encouraging skilled Nigerians abroad to return home and contribute to national development.
Among those who presented papers at the conference were Dr Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof 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, Prof Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, Dr Umar Dokaji and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis (Abu Haisam).
The clerics also called on religious scholars to speak truth to power, defend justice and resist attempts to turn them into political instruments. They urged Islamic scholars to commend good governance and criticise wrongdoing irrespective of the political party, ethnic group or religion of those in power.
The conference further called on Nigerians to place the country’s interests above partisan, ethnic and regional considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.
It urged voters to assess political candidates based on their experience, integrity, competence and policy proposals, rather than party, ethnic or regional affiliations.
According to the clerics, Nigerians should use the 2027 elections to choose leaders capable of addressing hardship, insecurity, unemployment, injustice and underdevelopment while creating conditions for greater prosperity.
