More than 1,000 Islamic scholars from 19 northern Nigerian states have criticised some of the economic policies of the Federal Government and the security situation in the country, saying that failure to make meaningful progress in addressing the challenges could influence public opinion ahead of the 2027 elections.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that they made the remarks at a conference titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 Elections,” organised by Ko Da Naka in collaboration with AAFAQ Educational Foundation in Kano on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The conference, attended by Islamic scholars and experts from different parts of Northern Nigeria, focused on security challenges, the economy, tax reforms, increases in electricity tariffs, and the impact of the naira’s changing value on Nigerians.
Participants said the removal of fuel subsidies and the economic reforms implemented by the government had increased the cost of living, particularly for low-income earners, while unemployment and other economic challenges continued to affect citizens.
They also expressed concern over the security situation, particularly killings, abductions and banditry affecting parts of the North-West, and called on the Federal Government to take urgent measures to protect the lives of citizens.
The participants said that if meaningful progress was not achieved in addressing insecurity and the other challenges they identified, it could influence how citizens view the government and the 2027 elections. They also maintained that candidates should be assessed based on competence and policies rather than solely on the political parties they represent.
On the issue of professionals, the conference expressed concern over the increasing number of doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals leaving Nigeria in search of better living conditions and improved working environments abroad. They called on the government to improve salaries, facilities and working conditions to reduce the trend and encourage professionals who have left the country to return.
The scholars also stressed that religious leaders should speak the truth to political leaders, commend them when they do what is right, and criticise wrongdoing regardless of the political party or side to which a leader belongs.
The leader of Ko Da Naka, Sheikh Kabir Bashir Abdulhamid, who read the post-conference statement, described the gathering as an effort to discuss the state of the nation. He also urged scholars not to allow politics to compromise their dignity or make them defend what they believe to be injustice.
In conclusion, the participants said Nigerians should prioritise competence, integrity, experience, development policies, security, job creation and justice in the 2027 elections, while placing national interest above political party, ethnic, regional or religious differences.
