Gumi: Clerics who join politics are better than those praying for politicians

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has defended the participation of religious scholars in politics, arguing that clerics who actively engage in the political process and accept its challenges are better positioned to contribute to society than those who remain outside and only pray for political leaders.

Gumi made the remarks amid growing debate over whether Islamic clerics should participate directly in partisan politics or focus exclusively on religious teachings, spiritual guidance and public advocacy.

The discussion has gained renewed attention following the political involvement of several respected Islamic scholars, particularly in northern Nigeria, where religious leaders play influential roles in community development, public discourse and social affairs.

The issue has become more prominent following the emergence of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general election.

Pantami’s political ambition has generated mixed reactions, with supporters describing his participation as an opportunity for a religious scholar and public policy expert to contribute directly to governance. However, critics have raised concerns about the possible impact of partisan politics on the independence, public image and moral authority of religious leaders.

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While some religious scholars have previously held political appointments or served in government, the increasing interest of prominent clerics in elective offices has renewed debate over the appropriate role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political system.

Those opposed to clerics participating in partisan politics argue that the political environment can be highly divisive and may expose religious leaders to personal attacks, public criticism, political rivalry and allegations that could affect the respect they command among their followers.

They believe clerics may be more effective when they remain independent of political parties and use their platforms to provide spiritual guidance, promote ethical leadership, advise public officials and hold governments accountable.

Supporters, however, argue that religious scholars should not remain on the sidelines while the country continues to face challenges related to governance, insecurity, economic hardship and public service delivery.

They maintain that scholars who possess leadership experience, professional competence, integrity and a clear vision for public service should be free to seek elective offices and participate directly in efforts to improve governance.

According to this view, meaningful political change may require responsible citizens, including religious leaders, to move beyond public criticism and take part in the decision-making process.

Weighing in on the debate in a Facebook post, Gumi said there was nothing wrong with religious scholars joining politics and participating actively in governance.

He argued that clerics who enter politics and endure its demands are making a more direct contribution than those who remain outside the political system and only offer prayers for elected officials.

“A religious scholar who gets involved in politics and bears its rigours is better than one who sits on a prayer mat, offering prayers for politicians,” Gumi wrote.

Gumi’s comments reflect the view that religious scholars should be prepared to participate in practical efforts aimed at improving leadership and governance rather than limiting their involvement to sermons, prayers and public commentary.

The scholar’s position has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing conversation about the relationship between religion and politics in Nigeria, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.

The debate is expected to remain active as more religious leaders consider political appointments or elective offices and as Nigerians continue to assess the role of faith-based leadership in public governance.

While supporters believe clerics can bring moral values, discipline and accountability into government, critics insist that religious leaders must carefully protect their independence and avoid allowing political affiliations to divide their communities.

Ultimately, the debate raises broader questions about whether direct political participation would enable religious scholars to contribute more effectively to governance or expose them to political pressures that could affect their religious responsibilities and public influence.

Gumi: Clerics who join politics are better than those praying for politicians

Atiku Accuses Obasanjo of Distorting History, Defends Role in Third-Term Battle

ABUJA – Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of attempting to rewrite history, insisting that he has no regrets for opposing the controversial third-term agenda during the Obasanjo administration.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Obasanjo’s recent public comments reflected “personal resentment” rather than historical facts.

According to the former vice president, his opposition to the third-term agenda was driven by his commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles.

“I am proud that I stood against the third-term agenda. I am proud that I stood by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have no apology whatsoever for frustrating every attempt to subvert our democracy for personal ambition,” Atiku said.

He maintained that no individual was greater than Nigeria, stressing that democracy ultimately triumphed over what he described as an unconstitutional bid to extend presidential tenure.

Atiku also claimed that the hostility between him and Obasanjo stemmed from his refusal to support the third-term project, saying he would wear any resentment arising from that decision “as a badge of honour.”

The former vice president further argued that history would remember the constitutional struggle as a victory for democracy rather than a personal feud between two political figures.

Atiku also referenced recent remarks by Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who reportedly praised the economic management team under the Obasanjo administration, saying the commendation underscored the contributions made during his tenure as vice president.

He alleged that despite such recognition, Obasanjo remained determined to downplay his role in what he described as one of Nigeria’s most successful periods of economic management.

The ADC presidential candidate also recalled supporting Obasanjo during his imprisonment under the late military regime, claiming he assisted his family, worked for his release, and later helped mobilise political structures that contributed to Obasanjo’s emergence as president in 1999.

While saying he did not regret those efforts, Atiku warned against what he described as attempts to replace gratitude with historical revisionism.

He expressed disappointment that, at a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, a former president was focusing on old political disagreements instead of offering solutions to national challenges.

“The 2027 election should be about rebuilding Nigeria, restoring security, reviving the economy and giving hope to the next generation—not reopening old political wounds,” he said.

Atiku added that although he had maintained silence over the years out of respect for Obasanjo and the office he once occupied, he would no longer allow what he called repeated distortions of history to go unanswered.

He concluded by saying his focus remained on Nigeria’s future, declaring that “history is stubborn” and that both history and the Nigerian people would ultimately deliver their verdict.

Atiku Accuses Obasanjo of Distorting History, Defends Role in Third-Term Battle

INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the public display of the personal particulars, academic credentials and nomination documents submitted by candidates participating in the 2027 general election, including President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The exercise is part of the statutory nomination process and provides members of the public with an opportunity to inspect the information and supporting documents submitted by candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

INEC had fixed August 1 for the publication of the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates after political parties completed the submission of their nomination documents through the commission’s designated portal. (Punch Newspapers)

Documents contained in President Tinubu’s Form EC9 show that he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University in the United States.

His academic transcript indicates that the degree was awarded “with honours” on June 22, 1979.

The documents also include a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate showing that Tinubu completed his mandatory national service in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.

According to the employment history provided in the nomination form, Tinubu worked at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992 before leaving for what was described as “advancement.”

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The form also records his service as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and indicates that he has served under the Federal Government since 2023.

While the form lists his university qualification, the sections relating to his primary and secondary school attendance contain the entry “0000,” with no specific years stated.

The documents list Tinubu’s date of birth as March 29, 1952, and describe his occupation as “politician.”

The nomination documents submitted by Vice President Kashim Shettima provide details of his educational background from the primary school level.

His Certificate of Primary Education, issued by the Ministry of Education of the former North-Eastern State, indicates that he attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978.

The certificate states that Shettima graduated second in a class of 22 pupils, with English, History and Religious Knowledge listed among his strongest subjects.

His West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, dated June 1983, records six credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics.

Shettima later obtained a Second Class Upper Division degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in August 1989.

He subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

His NYSC discharge certificate shows that he completed the national service programme between October 1989 and October 1990.

INEC said the publication of candidates’ personal particulars is intended to promote transparency and enable public scrutiny of the information submitted by political parties on behalf of their candidates.

The commission explained that Form EC9 contains candidates’ personal information, educational qualifications, supporting credentials and sworn declarations.

The documents have been displayed at designated INEC offices across the country, including state and local government offices linked to the relevant constituencies.

Members of the public may inspect the documents and, where necessary, seek certified true copies of candidates’ nomination forms and supporting records through the procedures provided by law.

The electoral framework also provides legal channels for eligible persons to challenge alleged false declarations, inaccurate information or forged credentials before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The public display does not amount to an independent verification or endorsement by INEC of every detail contained in the submitted documents. Rather, it forms part of the electoral nomination process and allows the public to review candidates’ particulars and pursue any concerns through established legal procedures.

The publication comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general election, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027. (INEC Nigeria)

The public display of the candidates’ records marks another major stage in the electoral process as political parties intensify preparations for the nationwide polls.

INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election