Thousands of Clerics Urge Tinubu to Ditch 2027 Re-election Bid

More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have collectively urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to pursue re-election in the 2027 presidential election. This significant call stems from deep concerns over the escalating economic hardship and insecurity plaguing the nation.

The clerics, operating under the umbrella of Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, in partnership with AFAQ Educational Foundation, formalized their position in a communique. This document was released following a national conference held in Kano on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The pivotal conference was themed, “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” bringing together Islamic scholars and participants from across northern Nigeria to critically evaluate the country's condition.

During their deliberations, the clerics expressed profound dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of the Tinubu administration. Their critique particularly highlighted the government's handling of the national economy and the pervasive security situation, asserting that these challenges have rendered life increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians. This firm stance by a large body of Islamic leaders presents a contrasting view to recent developments where other prominent Islamic groups, specifically the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) and the Qadiriyya movement, have publicly endorsed President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. These endorsements reportedly followed a series of consultations between the groups and Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who serves as the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, as he engaged with Islamic leaders across northern Nigeria in anticipation of the election.

The clerics meticulously itemized several economic policies introduced by the Tinubu administration that they believe have exacerbated the difficulties faced by citizens. These include the contentious removal of the petrol subsidy, significant alterations to the naira exchange-rate regime, successive increases in electricity tariffs, and a raft of new tax reforms. They unequivocally argued that these policies have directly contributed to, and intensified, the economic hardships confronting the populace.

The communique further elaborated on their dissatisfaction, stating, “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.” This statement underscores a perceived disconnect between the government's fiscal priorities and the immediate welfare of its citizens.

In response to their assessment, the Islamic clerics issued a direct appeal to the Federal Government. They called for an urgent review of what they characterized as “harmful economic policies” and advocated for immediate and concrete steps to substantially improve the living conditions of Nigerians. Concluding their resolution, the participants at the conference unanimously affirmed 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,” thereby linking future electoral support directly to a fundamental shift in governmental approach to economic governance.