Muslim clerics in Katsina State who endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid have been urged to mobilise their followers to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made on Sunday, October 25, by Ibrahim Masari, presidential adviser on political matters, at a gathering where 1,117 Islamic scholars, imams, male and female preachers, and teachers declared support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Masari conveyed the president’s appreciation to the clerics and assured them that the administration would not betray the confidence Katsina residents had placed in it.
He also urged the religious leaders to uphold truthfulness, integrity and accountability in their religious and public engagements.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqa Rabe-Darma, called on the clerics to use their influence in their communities to explain the administration’s policies and political agenda.
Rabe-Darma said Islamic scholars could shape public understanding of political issues through their sermons and regular interactions with worshippers.
He encouraged them to use Friday sermons and community engagements to explain their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, noting that political leaders across party lines frequently sought the backing of religious figures.
Sheikh Aminu Usman, popularly known as Abu Ammar and the state’s immediate past Hisbah commander, also urged Islamic scholars to participate in political discussions.
He said their responsibilities extended beyond religious activities to include educating the public about leadership and governance.
Usman urged clerics to speak truthfully about political developments and encourage citizens to assess candidates based on their records and performance.
He said religious leaders should help their followers make informed choices as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gathered momentum.
