A mosque committee in Bauchi State has reportedly removed Imam Dahiru Abubakar following complaints over his alleged political statements in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The development has sparked discussion about the role of religious leaders in partisan politics, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to reports, the imam faced repeated complaints over his alleged expression of support for Tinubu during religious activities.
The controversy has raised questions about whether places of worship should be used to promote political candidates and how religious leaders should balance their personal political views with their responsibilities to their congregations.
Political endorsements by clerics spark debate
The reported removal comes amid wider disagreements among Islamic clerics over Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
In August, a dispute emerged over claims that hundreds of northern Muslim scholars had endorsed the President for re-election. Sheikh Abdurrahman Abubakar Azzamfari subsequently disputed the claim, saying the endorsement had not been discussed or agreed upon by the participants.
Meanwhile, another gathering of Islamic clerics in Kano called on Tinubu to review his administration’s policies or reconsider his re-election bid, citing concerns about insecurity and economic hardship.
The reported decision involving the Bauchi imam has added to the debate over religious neutrality and political campaigning ahead of the next election.
The mosque committee’s full explanation for the removal was not available in the report reviewed. The allegation concerning the imam’s statements should therefore be distinguished from an independently confirmed account of the committee’s decision.
