The Alsunnah Islamic Redemption Network has criticised comments attributed to Phrank Shaibu, an aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, over President Bola Tinubu’s recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The group described the remarks as insensitive to Islamic beliefs, urging political leaders and their spokespersons to avoid turning religious practices into instruments of partisan conflict.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Ustaz Yusuf Abdulaziz, the organisation said the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s pilgrimage had raised concerns about the politicisation of religious activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group’s reaction followed comments by Shaibu, who questioned the spiritual significance of the president’s visit to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.
Shaibu, who is a senior media aide to Atiku, had earlier demanded that the Presidency provide daily photographs and videos showing Tinubu’s activities during the pilgrimage.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shaibu described the president’s trip as a “political Umrah”, alleging that Tinubu had travelled to Makkah to seek personal prayers and spiritual endorsement for his second-term ambition.
He also questioned the president’s sincerity of faith, citing the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The Alsunnah Islamic Redemption Network said political disagreements should not be used to undermine the religious convictions of Nigerians.
“Political differences should never become an excuse for undermining the spiritual values and religious convictions of fellow Nigerians,” the group said.
It maintained that access to the Holy Kaaba should not be reduced to a political contest or used to judge an individual’s religious standing.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as the growing politicisation of religious worship, insisting that spiritual activities should remain separate from political competition.
It called on the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sharia Council of Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Muslim Rights Concern and other Islamic organisations to examine the comments attributed to Atiku’s camp and provide appropriate clarification.
The group said religious leaders and institutions had a responsibility to protect Islamic values while promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
It further urged political actors to exercise restraint when discussing matters of faith, warning that insensitive remarks could deepen religious and ethnic divisions.
“Political leaders and their spokespersons must demonstrate greater responsibility when commenting on matters of faith. The Muslim Ummah deserves respect, and religious institutions must not be drawn unnecessarily into partisan political battles,” it stated.
