More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing worsening economic hardship, insecurity and what they described as policies that have deepened the suffering of Nigerians.
The clerics made the demand in a communique issued after a meeting in Kano focused on the theme, “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections.”
The gathering was organised under the aegis of Ko Da Naka… For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development and the AFAQ Educational Foundation. 
The clerics expressed dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy, arguing that the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, increase in electricity tariffs and ongoing tax reforms had compounded the financial difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.
They also raised concerns over insecurity and the rising cost of living, saying the government’s economic policies had placed an excessive burden on citizens while prioritising revenue generation.
The development comes shortly after two prominent Islamic groups, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) and the Qadiriyya Sufi sect, endorsed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement followed a visit by Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, to the groups.
However, the clerics at the Kano meeting said their position was informed by their assessment of the country’s current situation rather than political affiliations.
They argued that the government should reconsider policies they believe have worsened economic hardship and called for urgent measures to address unemployment, inflation and insecurity.
According to the communique, the participants unanimously resolved that re-electing the Tinubu administration in 2027 would be inappropriate if the government fails to reverse what they described as harmful economic policies.
«“It is unfortunate that the government has continued to insist on pursuing these policies, which are increasing hardship among the people, rather than reviewing and correcting them.»
«“The government prioritised the growth of its revenue at a time when the rising cost of living and unemployment are threatening the lives and well-being of citizens.”»
The clerics therefore urged the Federal Government to review its economic policies and take concrete steps to ease the burden on Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Their position adds another layer to the increasingly intense political debate over President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, as political parties, religious groups, civil society organisations and other interest groups begin to take positions ahead of the 2027 polls.
