More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential election.
The clerics cited the worsening economic hardship, insecurity and other challenges confronting Nigerians as reasons for their demand.
Politics Nigeria learnt that they made the call in a communique issued at the end of a national conference held in Kano State on Sunday.
The conference, titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” was organised under the umbrella of Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, in collaboration with AFAQ Educational Foundation.
Participants at the conference expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the Tinubu administration, particularly its economic policies, which they said had increased the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
They specifically faulted the removal of the fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, increases in electricity tariffs and tax reforms.
According to the clerics, the continued implementation of the policies had contributed to rising hardship, while the government remained focused on increasing revenue.
“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 stated.
The participants consequently warned that Tinubu should not expect to be re-elected in 2027 unless his administration changes what they described as harmful economic policies.
They further expressed concern over killings, kidnappings by bandits and other acts of terrorism across the country.
The clerics particularly called for urgent government action to tackle insecurity in the North-West and other parts of the country.
They said Tinubu should alternatively refrain from contesting the 2027 election, warning that Nigerians should reject his candidacy if he chooses to remain in the race.
“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 communique added.
Among those who presented papers at the conference were 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, Brr El-Zubair, Dr Yahuza Getso, Prof Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, Dr Umar Dokaji and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis (Abu Haisam).
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the call in a video shared on his social media accounts on Tuesday, where he displayed his PVC and encouraged citizens to obtain theirs.
He said the Independent National Electoral Commission had confirmed that PVC collection would commence on October 9, 2026.
“INEC has confirmed that Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) collection commences on 9 October 2026. Please get your PVC so that you can participate in the 2027 election,” he said.
Makinde described the PVC as the means through which citizens exercise their power to choose their leaders.
He urged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process regardless of the candidates they planned to support.
The governor is seeking the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). He emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in May 2026 and has since commenced activities towards his campaign.