ABUJA: Around 1,000 northern Islamic scholars and clerics have publicly called on President Bola Tinubu to drop his plans to run for re-election in 2027, pointing to ongoing security challenges and severe economic hardship across the country.

The appeal was issued in an official communiqué following a national conference in Kano State titled "An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections." The event was organized by the "Ko Da Naka" organization focused on good governance and community development in partnership with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.

Prominent scholars who presented papers at the conference included Dr. Abdulmuɗɗalib Ahmad Giɗaɗo, Prof. Muhd Muslim Ibrahim, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid, Dr. Aminu Isma’il Sagagi, Dr. Najibullah Abdallah Nuhu, Sheikh Abdurrazaq Uba Musa, Sheikh Musa Muhd Ɗan Kwano, Barr. El-Zubair, Dr. Yahuza Getso, Prof. Ibrahim Siraj Adhama, Dr. Umar Dokaji, and Sheikh Muhd Sani Khamis (Abu Haisam).

Key Concerns Addressed in the Communiqué

• Escalating Insecurity: The clerics expressed deep concern over persistent killings, kidnappings, and terrorism—particularly affecting the North-West and other regions—urging the federal government to take immediate and decisive action.

• Economic Hardship: The administration's financial policies came under heavy criticism for worsening the cost of living for ordinary citizens. Specific measures highlighted included the removal of the fuel subsidy, exchange rate reforms, higher electricity tariffs, and new tax policies. Participants argued that these measures prioritized government revenue growth at the expense of citizens' well-being and employment.

• Brain Drain: The conference raised alarm over the mass emigration of skilled Nigerian professionals—such as doctors, teachers, and engineers—driven by poor working conditions, inadequate facilities, and a difficult economic climate. The scholars urged the government to improve salaries and professional development to encourage both retention and the return of expatriates.

• Call to Action: The communiqué stated that if the administration fails to reverse its economic policies and curb insecurity, citizens should reject President Tinubu's candidacy in 2027 and support alternative leaders capable of delivering better governance.

Additionally, the religious leaders reminded their peers to remain objective, impartial, and committed to speaking truth to power, regardless of a leader's political party, ethnicity, or religion. They also advised voters to prioritize national progress, competence, integrity, and proven experience over partisan or regional loyalties when choosing future leaders.