Jigawa ADC rejects Tinubu’s endorsement by Islamic clerics, challenging claims on security gains and federal projects in the state.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jigawa State Chapter, has rejected the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term by more than 500 Islamic scholars, clerics and preachers who gathered in Dutse at the weekend.
The party described the endorsement as unfortunate and warned religious leaders against allowing political interests to undermine their independence, credibility and moral authority.
In a statement signed by Ambassador Nuraddeen Suleiman Jidawa, ADC Youth Ambassador, North, and Deputy Chairman of the party in Jigawa State, the ADC said individual clerics had the right to make political choices but should not portray such decisions as religious verdicts or as representing Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The party also challenged claims contained in the communiqué issued after the gathering, particularly the assertion that the Tinubu administration initiated the Kano-Dutse/Kano-Maradi railway project.
According to the ADC, the project was approved and awarded under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021.
The party challenged the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to identify major capital projects initiated and substantially executed by the Tinubu administration in Jigawa State.
The ADC also rejected claims of significant improvement in the country’s security situation, particularly across the North-West.
It cited recent kidnapping and terrorist attacks in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states as evidence that insecurity remains a major challenge confronting Nigerians.
The party further referred to an August 24 Al Jazeera report on a video purportedly showing a large number of abducted people being held by armed men following the reported abduction of hundreds of worshippers in Niger State.
Against this backdrop, the ADC said it would be “irresponsible” to portray Nigeria’s security crisis as resolved.
The party urged Nigerians to assess the Tinubu administration on measurable outcomes, including security, economic welfare, employment, infrastructure, transparency and accountability, rather than political endorsements.
It also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy had contributed to increased transportation, food and other living costs.
The ADC called on Islamic scholars and clerics to maintain their neutrality and resist political influence, financial inducements or access to power that could compromise their independence.
“While we respect the right of individual clerics to make their political choices, such endorsements should not be presented as religious verdicts or as the position of Nigeria’s Muslim community,” the party said.
The ADC maintained that religious leaders have a critical role to play in holding political authorities accountable and providing moral guidance to society, rather than becoming instruments of political mobilisation.
The party urged Nigerians to independently evaluate the performance of the federal government ahead of the 2027 elections based on its impact on their daily lives and the broader development of the country.