Killings, Hardship: Northern Islamic Clerics Tell Tinubu to Drop 2027 Ambition

Killings, Hardship: Northern Islamic Clerics Tell Tinubu to Drop 2027 Ambition

More than 1,000 northern Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon his ambition to seek re-election in 2027, citing persistent killings, kidnappings, terrorism and economic hardship across the country.

The clerics made the demand in a communiqué issued after a national conference in Kano titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections.”

The conference was organised under the Ko Da Naka platform in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.

The clerics expressed particular concern over worsening insecurity in the North-West, where communities have continued to face attacks, kidnappings and other forms of violence.

They urged the Federal Government to take stronger and more effective measures to protect lives and property, warning that the security situation should be a major consideration in determining who Nigerians support in the 2027 elections.

The clerics also asked Tinubu to reconsider his plan to seek another term in office.

They said that if the President decides to contest despite what they described as the country’s worsening security and economic challenges, Nigerians should reject his candidacy at the polls.

The group said political leaders must be judged by their performance in office rather than party affiliation, ethnic identity or regional interests.

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The clerics also criticised key economic policies of the Tinubu administration, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, changes to the foreign exchange regime, increases in electricity tariffs and ongoing tax reforms.

They argued that the policies had contributed to rising living costs and increased pressure on households, businesses and vulnerable Nigerians.

According to the clerics, the government should review policies that have increased the cost of living and focus more on improving citizens’ welfare.

They also raised concerns about the continued migration of skilled Nigerian professionals, including doctors, teachers and engineers, to other countries.

The clerics attributed the trend partly to poor working conditions, inadequate facilities, unemployment and economic pressures, urging the government to create better opportunities for professionals to remain in Nigeria.

They further called on Islamic scholars and religious leaders to remain independent and speak against wrongdoing regardless of the political party, ethnicity or religion of those involved.

The clerics urged Nigerians to place national interest above religious, ethnic and political considerations when choosing leaders in 2027.

They said voters should assess political candidates based on their competence, integrity, experience and policies rather than relying solely on party loyalty.

The intervention comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with insecurity, economic hardship and governance expected to feature prominently in the political debate.

The clerics’ position adds another voice to the growing scrutiny of the Tinubu administration as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.

Killings, Hardship: Northern Islamic Clerics Tell Tinubu to Drop 2027 Ambition