Bauchi mosque removes imam after campaigning for Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election

Background In the Madina quarters of Bauchi metropolis, Imam Dahiru Abubakar served as the leading cleric at a local mosque. Over several weeks, he began to incorporate political commentary into his post‑prayer sermons, urging worshippers to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re‑election in 2027.

Repeated Warnings The mosque committee, which oversees the use of the premises for worship, issued multiple warnings to Abubakar. The cleric’s messages repeatedly claimed that Tinubu was not responsible for Nigeria’s insecurity and economic difficulties, framing the problems as “end‑times” phenomena. He also suggested that the mosque be renamed after the president, a proposal the committee unanimously rejected.

Suspension and Removal After the early‑morning Subhi prayer on Sunday 18 October 2026, Abubakar again delivered a sermon praising Tinubu and urging the congregation to vote for him in the forthcoming election. The committee, having already warned him, convened a formal meeting and decided to suspend the imam. The following day, the committee confirmed his removal from the post.

Imam’s Defence Abubakar defended his actions by saying he was merely encouraging worshippers to avoid blaming the president for national challenges. He cited examples of insecurity in other African countries, such as Sudan, Chad and Mali, questioning whether Tinubu could be held responsible for those situations. He maintained that his focus was on religious devotion and the need for divine intervention.

Committee’s Rationale Chairman Imam Abubakar Jibrin explained that the decision was not solely about the imam’s support for Tinubu. He also highlighted that Abubakar had organised gatherings outside the mosque to discuss politics, thereby turning the religious space into a political platform. The committee stressed that the mosque’s primary purpose is worship, citing Quranic guidance that the mosque is a solemn place for the worship of Allah.

Wider Context The incident follows a broader trend of political activity within religious settings in Nigeria. While the imam’s supporters argued that his sermons were a form of civic engagement, the committee’s action underscores the delicate balance between religious authority and political advocacy.

Conclusion The removal of Imam Dahiru Abubakar illustrates the challenges faced by religious institutions when clergy use their platforms for political campaigning. The mosque committee’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the worship space and adhering to its established guidelines.