2027: “Drop Your Re-election Bid” — Over 1,000 Islamic Clerics Advises Tinubu

More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to seek re-election in the 2027 presidential election, citing worsening economic hardship and insecurity in the country.

The clerics, under the aegis of Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, in collaboration with AFAQ Educational Foundation, made the call in a communique issued after a national conference held in Kano on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The conference was themed, “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections.”

The clerics expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the Tinubu administration, particularly its handling of the economy and security situation, saying the challenges had made life increasingly difficult for Nigerians.

Their position comes amid separate endorsements of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) and the Qadiriyya movement for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsements followed consultations between the groups and Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, who has been meeting Islamic leaders across northern Nigeria ahead of the election.

However, the clerics faulted some of the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate regime, increases in electricity tariffs and tax reforms.

They argued that the policies had worsened the economic hardship confronting ordinary Nigerians.

“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,” the communique read.

The clerics consequently called on the Federal Government to review what they described as harmful economic policies and take steps to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

“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,” they said.

The conference brought together Islamic scholars and other participants from across northern Nigeria to assess the state of the nation and discuss the 2027 elections.