More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drop his 2027 re-election bid ahead of the January 16 presidential election.
In a statement that went viral on X on Wednesday following a meeting in Kano, the group of Islamic clerics under Ko Da Naka cited the economic crisis, insecurity and other challenges facing the country as reasons for the call.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the administration of President Tinubu is running the country.
The clerics unanimously agreed that Tinubu’s economic policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, increases in electricity tariffs and tax reforms, have increased the burden of hardship on ordinary 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 reads in part.
Nigerian Newssphere reports that Islamic clerics and scholars who made the call include Dr Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof. Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid and several others.
According to them, it is appropriate for President Tinubu to step aside.
“Nigerians should not be asked to endure another term of the same policies while families struggle to meet basic needs and the promised relief remains out of reach,” they stated.
At a press conference on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission was ready to conduct a credible election.
He stated that the North-West and South-West are the regions in Nigeria with the highest number of registered voters, as Tinubu and presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the African Democratic Congress and New Nigeria Democratic Congress, respectively, alongside 15 other candidates, battle for the 2027 presidency.
