More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re-election bid, blaming his administration for worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the growing migration of skilled Nigerians.
The clerics made the demand at a national conference in Kano organised under the theme, “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections.”
In a communique issued after the conference, the participants criticised key policies of the Tinubu administration, including petrol subsidy removal, changes to the foreign exchange regime, higher electricity tariffs and tax reforms.
They argued that the policies had increased pressure on ordinary Nigerians while government revenue remained a priority.
The clerics also expressed concern over killings, kidnappings, banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North-West, and urged the Federal Government to take urgent measures to improve security.
They said Tinubu should reconsider his 2027 ambition if the identified challenges were not addressed.
“Alternatively, the President should refrain from contesting the 2027 election,” the communique stated, adding that citizens would have to reject his candidacy if he refused to do so.
The group also raised alarm over the migration of doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals, attributing the trend to unemployment, poor working conditions, inadequate facilities and broader economic difficulties.
They urged the government to improve salaries and working conditions and create incentives for skilled Nigerians abroad to return home.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the clerics called on religious scholars to speak truth to power and resist attempts to turn them into political instruments.
They also urged voters to assess candidates on experience, integrity, competence and policy proposals rather than party, ethnic or regional affiliation.
The conference featured presentations by several Islamic scholars and academics, including Dr Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof. Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid and Dr Aminu Isma’il Sagagi.
