More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon his plan to seek re election in 2027, citing worsening economic hardship, insecurity, killings, kidnappings and the growing exodus of skilled professionals.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after a national conference held in Kano State on Sunday. The conference, titled An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections, was organised by the Ko Da Naka movement in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.
The clerics expressed concern over the rising cost of living, unemployment and the difficulties facing Nigerian families. They criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the naira exchange rate, increased electricity tariffs and tax reforms, arguing that these measures had added to the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
They called on the federal government to review policies they believe have worsened hardship and provide meaningful relief to Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities.
Security was another major concern raised at the conference. The clerics urged the government to take urgent action against killings, kidnappings, banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North West and other affected areas.
They also expressed concern over the departure of Nigerian doctors, teachers, engineers and other skilled professionals, linking the trend to unemployment, poor working conditions, inadequate facilities and wider economic challenges.
The clerics said Tinubu should reconsider his 2027 presidential ambition if his administration failed to address the problems facing the country. They further urged Nigerians to reject his re election bid if the government did not change the policies they criticised.
The conference also called on religious leaders to speak honestly about governance, defend justice and avoid being used as political tools. Nigerians were urged to put national interests above party, ethnic and regional loyalties when choosing leaders in the 2027 elections.
