A mosque committee in Madina Quarters, Bauchi metropolis, has relieved Imam Dahiru Abubakar of his position over allegations that he repeatedly used sermons to promote President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
As reported by Daily Trust, Abubakar was reportedly removed after continuing to discuss the President’s re-election during religious gatherings, despite several warnings from the mosque’s management committee.
The cleric admitted that he had been urging worshippers not to hold Tinubu responsible for Nigeria’s economic difficulties and security challenges.
He argued that the problems required divine intervention and encouraged Muslims to rely on prayers rather than blame the President.
Abubakar also referenced conflicts in Sudan, Chad, Mali and other African countries, asking his congregation whether Tinubu was responsible for the insecurity in those nations.
He said his preaching focused on religious devotion and the need for people to strengthen their relationship with God.
However, the committee chairman, Imam Abubakar Jibrin, said the decision to remove him was informed by more than his support for Tinubu.
He alleged that Abubakar organised political discussions around the mosque and sometimes brought such activities into the worship centre.
Jibrin said the committee had repeatedly warned the imam against using the mosque for political purposes, maintaining that political campaigns and meetings should be conducted through recognised party structures rather than religious institutions.
He further alleged that Abubakar had proposed renaming the mosque, Masjid Abdullahi Bin Zubbair, after the President.
The committee rejected the suggestion, insisting that the facility belonged to the community and that its existing name would remain unchanged.
The chairman said the decision to remove Abubakar was final, adding that the committee was not campaigning against any political party or candidate.
He stressed that the mosque should remain a place of worship and that the committee would pray for God to provide Nigeria with the right leadership.
A mosque committee in Madina Quarters, Bauchi metropolis, has relieved Imam Dahiru Abubakar of his position over allegations that he repeatedly used sermons to promote President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Abubakar was reportedly removed after continuing to discuss the President’s re-election during religious gatherings, despite several warnings from the mosque’s management committee.
The cleric admitted that he had been urging worshippers not to hold Tinubu responsible for Nigeria’s economic difficulties and security challenges. He argued that the problems required divine intervention and encouraged Muslims to rely on prayers rather than blame the President.
Abubakar also referenced conflicts in Sudan, Chad, Mali and other African countries, asking his congregation whether Tinubu was responsible for the insecurity in those nations. He said his preaching focused on religious devotion and the need for people to strengthen their relationship with God.
However, the committee chairman, Imam Abubakar Jibrin, said the decision to remove him was informed by more than his support for Tinubu. He alleged that Abubakar organised political discussions around the mosque and sometimes brought such activities into the worship centre.
Jibrin said the committee had repeatedly warned the imam against using the mosque for political purposes, maintaining that political campaigns and meetings should be conducted through recognised party structures rather than religious institutions.
He further alleged that Abubakar had proposed renaming the mosque, Masjid Abdullahi Bin Zubbair, after the President. The committee rejected the suggestion, insisting that the facility belonged to the community and that its existing name would remain unchanged.
The chairman said the decision to remove Abubakar was final, adding that the committee was not campaigning against any political party or candidate. He stressed that the mosque should remain a place of worship and that the committee would pray for God to provide Nigeria with the right leadership.
