More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu not to seek re-election in the 2027 presidential election, citing concerns over the country’s economic and security situation.

The clerics made the call in a communiqué issued after a national conference titled, “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” held in Kano.

The clerics, under the umbrella of Ko Da Naka, For the Struggle to Promote Good Governance and Community Development, in collaboration with AFAQ Educational Foundation, expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the Federal Government.

They specifically criticised economic policies introduced or continued under the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy, changes to the naira exchange-rate system, increases in electricity tariffs and tax reforms.

The participants said the policies had increased economic pressure on ordinary Nigerians and urged the government to review measures they considered harmful to citizens.

They said it would be inappropriate to re-elect the administration if it failed to change its economic policies before the 2027 elections. Alternatively, they urged Tinubu to withdraw from the presidential race.

The clerics also raised concerns over persistent killings, kidnappings, banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North-West and other affected parts of the country.

They called for urgent action to strengthen security and protect citizens, warning that failure to address insecurity should influence voters’ decisions in 2027.

The conference also expressed concern over the continued migration of Nigerian professionals, including doctors, teachers and engineers.

The clerics linked the trend to unemployment, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions and economic difficulties, urging the government to improve remuneration, professional development and opportunities that could encourage skilled Nigerians abroad to return.

They further called on religious scholars to speak truth to power and remain independent of political interests, saying religious leaders should commend good governance and criticise wrongdoing regardless of political party, ethnicity or religion.

The clerics urged Nigerians to place the national interest above partisan, ethnic and regional considerations when choosing leaders in 2027.

They said voters should assess candidates based on experience, integrity, competence and policies capable of addressing hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other development challenges.

The group therefore urged the Federal Government to reconsider its policies and demonstrate greater commitment to improving the welfare and security of Nigerians before the next general elections.