More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to shelve his planned bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, citing worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the continued migration of skilled Nigerians.
The clerics made the demand in a communique issued after a national conference held in Kano State on Sunday. The conference was organised under the auspices of Ko Da Naka…For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, in partnership with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.
The gathering, which focused on the state of the nation under the Tinubu administration and the 2027 elections, expressed concern over the impact of government policies on the living conditions of Nigerians.
The clerics particularly criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the foreign exchange regime, increases in electricity tariffs and ongoing tax reforms, arguing that the measures had intensified the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
They said the government should review policies they described as detrimental to Nigerians and prioritise measures capable of reducing the rising cost of living, unemployment and other economic difficulties.
The group also raised alarm over persistent killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks, particularly in the North-West and other troubled parts of the country. It urged the Federal Government to take more decisive measures to restore security.
The clerics warned that Tinubu should reconsider his 2027 ambition if the identified challenges were not adequately addressed, urging Nigerians to reject his candidacy if the situation remained unchanged.
They also expressed concern over the continued departure of doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals from the country, attributing the trend to poor working conditions, unemployment, inadequate facilities and economic challenges.
The conference called for improved remuneration, better working conditions and stronger professional development opportunities to encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return and contribute to national development.
It further urged voters to assess candidates in 2027 based on competence, integrity, experience and policy proposals rather than ethnic, religious or partisan considerations.
