More than 1,000 northern Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his bid for re-election in 2027, citing persistent killings, kidnappings and terrorism across the country.
‎‎The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after a national conference held in Kano on Sunday.
‎The conference, titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” was organised by the group known as Ko Da Naka in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.
‎‎According to the communiqué, the participants reportedly discussed “security, the economy, migration of skilled Nigerians, the role of religious scholars and the country’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.”
‎‎At the centre of their concerns was insecurity, particularly in the North-West, where communities have continued to experience killings and kidnappings.
‎‎The clerics called on the Federal Government to take urgent measures to address insecurity. They argued that if the administration failed to deliver meaningful improvement, Nigerians should reject President Tinubu’s candidacy at the polls.
‎The communiqué reportedly gave the President two options: “address the country’s security challenges or refrain from seeking another term in office.”
‎‎The intervention adds another voice to the increasingly intense political debate surrounding the 2027 election.
‎‎For communities affected by insecurity, however, the issue extends beyond electoral politics. Kidnapping and attacks have disrupted farming, movement, education and local economic activity in several parts of northern Nigeria.
‎‎The clerics’ position therefore reflects a broader argument that security performance will remain an important factor in how many voters judge political leadership ahead of 2027.
‎‎President Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly maintained that security remains a major priority and has increased military and security operations against insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups.
‎‎The latest call by the clerics does not itself determine the President’s political future, but it adds to the growing public debate over whether the security situation has improved sufficiently for affected communities.
‎‎With the 2027 election approaching, insecurity is likely to remain one of the most important issues confronting both the government and political parties.
‎‎Credit: Sahel Times