The Jigawa State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the reported endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by about 500 Islamic scholars, clerics and preachers in the state.
The party described the endorsement as unfortunate and contrary to the principles of Islamic teachings, while urging religious leaders to maintain their independence and moral authority.
In a statement signed by Ambassador Nuraddeen Suleiman Jidawa, ADC Youth Ambassador, North and Deputy Chairman of the party in Jigawa, the party said it rejected the endorsement reportedly made during a gathering in Dutse at the weekend.
“We reject the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by over 500 Islamic scholars, clerics and preachers who gathered in Dutse at the weekend because such actions have clearly violated the principles of religious teachings,” the ADC said.
The party also criticised the communiqué issued after the meeting, particularly the claim that the Tinubu administration initiated the Kano-Dutse/Kano-Maradi railway project.
According to the ADC, the railway project was approved and awarded in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The party challenged the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to identify major capital projects initiated and substantially executed by the Tinubu administration in Jigawa State.
The opposition party also rejected claims of significant improvement in security, particularly across the North-West.
It cited recent kidnapping and terrorist attacks in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara as evidence that insecurity remains a major concern in the region.
The ADC further referred to an August 24 report by Al Jazeera concerning a video purportedly showing a large number of abducted persons being held by armed men following the reported abduction of hundreds of worshippers in Niger State.
Against this backdrop, the party described it as irresponsible to portray Nigeria’s security situation as resolved.
The ADC urged Islamic scholars and clerics to remain politically neutral, warning against allowing political influence, money or access to government officials to compromise their independence and credibility.
It said individual clerics have the right to make their own political choices but argued that such endorsements should not be presented as religious verdicts or as representing the wider Muslim community in Nigeria.
The party also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, blaming it for increased transportation, food and other living costs.
It urged Nigerians to judge the Tinubu administration based on its performance in areas including security, economic welfare, employment, infrastructure, transparency and accountability.
