Clerics Tell Tinubu to Reverse Economic Policies or Skip 2027 Race

By: Tunji Okunlola

A group of Islamic clerics, which says it numbers more than 1,000, has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change his economic policies or step aside from the 2027 presidential race. The clerics cited worsening hardship, insecurity and the departure of skilled professionals from Nigeria.

The message came in a communique issued at the close of a national conference in Kano State on Sunday, 4 October, titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections.” The event was organised by the Ko Da Naka movement, which describes itself as working for good governance and community development, together with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.

The communique faulted several of the administration’s economic measures, including the end of the petrol subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate regime, higher electricity tariffs and tax reforms. It said these had added to the burden on ordinary Nigerians, and that the government had kept pushing them instead of reviewing them. It also accused the government of putting revenue growth ahead of citizens’ welfare at a time of rising living costs and unemployment.

The clerics said participants had agreed unanimously that re-electing the government would be inappropriate unless it changes what they called harmful economic policies. They called on the administration to reverse those policies and provide relief. If it does not, they said, Tinubu should stay out of the race, and “the President should refrain from contesting the 2027 election.” If he insists on running, the communique added, citizens should reject his candidacy and back leaders they believe can do better.

Security was another major concern. The conference condemned continuing killings, kidnappings and terrorism and urged the federal government to act urgently, particularly in the North-West and other areas hit by banditry.

The communique also raised alarm over the exodus of doctors, teachers, engineers and other skilled Nigerians, which it blamed on unemployment, poor facilities, weak working conditions and wider economic strain. It asked the government to improve pay, working conditions and professional development, and to create incentives that would draw skilled Nigerians abroad back home.

Papers were presented by Dr Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid, Dr Aminu Isma’il Sagagi, Dr Najibullah Abdallah Nuhu, Sheikh Abdurrazaq Uba Musa, Sheikh Musa Muhd Ɗan Kwano, Barrister El-Zubair, Dr Yahuza Getso, Prof Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, Dr Umar Dokaji and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis (Abu Haisam).

The clerics also urged fellow scholars to speak truth to power, defend justice and refuse to be used as political tools. They said scholars should praise good governance and criticise wrongdoing regardless of the party, ethnic group or religion of those in office.

Looking ahead to the elections, the conference asked Nigerians to put national interest above party, ethnic and regional loyalties, and to judge candidates on experience, integrity, competence and policy proposals. It said the polls should be used to choose leaders able to tackle hardship, insecurity, unemployment, injustice and underdevelopment.

The communique comes as Islamic groups appear divided over Tinubu’s bid. One report says organisations including Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatussunnah (JIBWIS) and the Qadiriyya Sufi sect have reportedly backed the re-election of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Tinubu is already among the candidates on INEC’s list for the January 2027 election.