More than 1,000 northern Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re-election ambition, citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship and the continued departure of skilled professionals from the country.
The clerics made the demand in a communique issued after a national conference in Kano on the state of the nation and the 2027 general elections.
The gathering, organised by Ko Da Naka in collaboration with AFAQ Educational Foundation, brought together religious scholars and other participants to examine security, the economy, migration of professionals and the responsibilities of religious leaders in public affairs.
The communique said the government must urgently address killings, kidnappings and terrorism, particularly in the North-West and other affected parts of the country.
“Alternatively, the President should refrain from contesting the 2027 election. If he refuses to do so, it is incumbent upon citizens to reject his candidacy and allow those whom they believe can provide better leadership,” the clerics said.
They also criticised the administration’s economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms, electricity tariff increases and tax changes, arguing that the measures had worsened living conditions for many Nigerians.
The clerics said government revenue had been prioritised at a time when unemployment and the rising cost of living were putting increasing pressure on households.
They warned that it would be inappropriate to return the administration to office in 2027 if what they described as harmful economic policies were not reviewed.
The conference also expressed concern over the migration of doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals, linking the trend to poor working conditions, inadequate facilities, unemployment and the wider economic crisis.
The clerics urged the government to improve salaries, professional development and working conditions while creating incentives for skilled Nigerians abroad to return.
They also called on religious leaders to speak truthfully about government performance, defend justice and avoid becoming instruments of partisan politics.
According to the communique, Nigerians should judge candidates in 2027 by their competence, integrity, experience and policies rather than ethnic, regional or party loyalties.
“Nigerians should not be asked to endure another term of the same policies while families struggle to meet basic needs and the promised relief remains out of reach,” the clerics said.
