A prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gidado from Kano has stated that it is prohibited under Islamic teachings to vote for President Bola Tinubu.
Dr Abdulmudallib Gidado Triumph, widely known as Sheikh Gidado, made the remarks in a video that spread widely on social media on October 17 2026.
He said that as far as he is concerned the action goes against religious guidance. The scholar pointed to a teaching from the Prophet of God that anyone who picks a leader while knowing a better qualified person exists has betrayed himself, God and the wider community.
His remarks come amid continuing concerns over economic hardship, rising living costs and insecurity in Nigeria, issues that have placed pressure on households and raised questions about leadership and the government’s response to the country’s challenges.
Many Nigerians continue to face difficulties meeting basic needs, while insecurity in several parts of the country remains a major concern for communities affected by violence, kidnappings and other criminal attacks.
These challenges may provide context for the cleric’s comments, as questions about leadership, accountability and the welfare of citizens remain central to public discussions. However, Gidado did not explicitly state in the quoted remarks that hardship or insecurity was the reason for his position.
According to the cleric, knowingly choosing a leader when a more qualified person is available amounts to a betrayal of oneself, God and the wider community.
His statement places religious responsibility at the centre of the debate over political leadership, suggesting that voters should carefully consider the qualifications of candidates before making their choices.
The remarks were shared on social media by ADC Vanguard and circulated alongside a video attributed to Sheikh Gidado.
His position adds to discussions about the relationship between Islamic teachings and political participation in Nigeria, where religious beliefs can influence how some citizens assess candidates and public office holders.
