A Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sunusi Khalil, has warned supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that religious trips to Saudi Arabia and the distribution of food items will not prevent the President from facing defeat in the 2027 presidential election.
Khalil declared that Nigerians had already made up their minds about the next election, insisting that even if Tinubu relocated to Saudi Arabia, it would not change the people’s decision.
The cleric made the remarks during a recent sermon that has attracted widespread attention on social media. He argued that growing economic hardship, rising living costs and insecurity had increased public dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration.
He also dismissed attempts to win public support through religious activities and material distributions, saying such efforts would not erase the difficulties Nigerians face daily.
His comments come after Tinubu performed Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in late October and early November 2026.
During the visit, the President entered the Holy Kaaba alongside members of his delegation and offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity.
Tinubu returned to Abuja on November 4 following the religious trip, which took place amid growing political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Khalil has also made allegations concerning efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress to secure support from influential religious and traditional leaders in Northern Nigeria.
In an earlier claim, the cleric alleged that the party had set aside N500 billion to win the backing of religious leaders and traditional rulers in the region ahead of Tinubu’s second term ambition.
He further claimed that party representatives approached him but that he rejected their alleged offer.
The cleric has repeatedly warned that politicians campaigning for Tinubu could face strong public resistance in Northern Nigeria because of growing frustration over economic hardship and insecurity.
Beyond his criticism of the Federal Government, Khalil has raised concerns about worsening security challenges in the North and the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai.
He has also urged Northern governors to put the interests and welfare of their people above political loyalty to the Federal Government.
The African Democratic Congress has shared several of Khalil’s sermons on social media as opposition activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
His latest comments have added to the growing political debate over Tinubu’s re-election bid, with economic conditions, security and public confidence expected to remain major issues in the campaign.
