Mass exit hit Friday prayers in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on October 30, 2026, as hundreds of worshippers reportedly walked out of a mosque after Chief Imam Mallam Jalo declared that President Bola Tinubu’s government was not oppressive.
The dramatic incident occurred during the weekly Juma’at sermon when the cleric, also known as Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo and National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of JIBWIS Nigeria, reportedly defended the Tinubu administration and urged the congregation to vote for the president.
His remarks immediately sparked a reaction from the congregation, with one worshipper reportedly shouting that the Imam’s claim was a lie.
Shortly afterwards, hundreds of worshippers stood up and exited the mosque while the sermon was still underway, leaving a significantly smaller congregation behind.
Videos showing the mass departure quickly circulated on social media, attracting widespread attention and reactions from Nigerians.
Reports from the incident indicated that the walkout was a protest against the Imam’s comments in defence of the Tinubu administration. Some accounts also said he urged worshippers to support the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes days after another mosque in Bauchi reportedly removed an imam over repeated political comments during prayer sessions, including his support for Tinubu’s re-election and defence of the administration amid concerns about economic hardship and insecurity.
The Jalingo incident has further drawn attention to the growing debate over political messages in religious gatherings, particularly as Nigerians continue to express concerns about the economy and security situation.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the mosque committee nor Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo had issued an official statement addressing the reported walkout.
