More than 1,000 Islamic clerics from northern Nigeria have urged President Bola Tinubu to abandon his bid for re-election in 2027, citing insecurity, economic hardship, and the continued exodus of skilled professionals.
The clerics made the demand in a communiqué issued after a national conference titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections” held in Kano on Sunday, October 4.
The conference was organized by Ko Da Naka, in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.
The participants expressed concern over killings, kidnappings, and terrorism, particularly in the Northwest, and called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to improve security.
They warned that if the administration failed to address the situation, Nigerians should reject Tinubu’s candidacy and support leaders they believe can provide better governance.
The clerics also criticized the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, higher electricity tariffs, and tax reforms, arguing that the policies had worsened hardship and the cost of living.
They further raised concerns over the migration of doctors, teachers, engineers, and other skilled professionals, attributing the trend to poor working conditions, inadequate opportunities, and economic difficulties.
The clerics urged the government to improve salaries, working conditions, and professional development to encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return home.
They also called on Islamic scholars to remain independent, speak truth to power, and avoid being used as political tools.
The group urged Nigerians to assess candidates in the 2027 election based on competence, integrity, experience, and policies rather than party, ethnic, or regional considerations.
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