Sokoto based Islamic cleric Sheikh Bello Yabo has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s supporters to send soldiers to arrest him if they want him to stop criticising the government, insisting that he will continue to speak out and that Nigerians will vote the government out in 2027.
Yabo made the statement in response to government scholars who reportedly called for an end to criticism of Tinubu from the podium.
In a video of one of his sermons that has circulated widely on social media, the cleric rejected the call, declaring that threats of arrest would not silence him or stop him from expressing his views about the government.
Yabo made his position clear in a strongly worded response, daring those who want critics silenced to send soldiers to arrest him.
Those government scholars who said we should stop criticising Tinubu from the podium should go ahead and send soldiers to arrest us. But we will continue to speak the truth, and we will vote these people out,” Yabo said.
The Islamic cleric’s remarks underline his determination to continue speaking against the government despite calls for critics to stop using public platforms to challenge Tinubu’s leadership.
Yabo also stressed that his criticism would not end under pressure, insisting that he and others would continue to express their views and use the ballot box to remove those they oppose from power.
His statement combines a challenge to those advocating restrictions on public criticism with a clear message about political accountability through elections.
The remarks have drawn attention to the ongoing debate over freedom of expression, criticism of government leaders and the role of religious figures in public discussions about Nigeria’s political leadership.
Yabo’s response signals that he is unwilling to back down from his position, maintaining that speaking the truth and voting against leaders are legitimate ways for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with those in power.
In earlier sermons Yabo has also claimed that Tinubu told traditional rulers and clerics that he spent his own money to secure the presidency.
He has criticised those who sold their votes in 2023, saying the short term gains have long been exhausted while living conditions have worsened.
The video in which he made the latest statement was shared by several accounts, including one focused on opposition politics, and has drawn attention as campaign activities for 2027 begin to intensify across the country.
Yabo has not been reported arrested in connection with the recent comments. The presidency and relevant security agencies have not issued an official response to his specific challenge as of the time of this report.
