A prominent Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Prof. Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, has cautioned religious leaders against mobilising support for Bola Tinubu on the basis of religion, arguing that the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought him to power in 2023 has not translated into tangible benefits for Muslims or the northern region.
The cleric made the remarks on Friday during his Eid sermon in Sokoto, where he delivered a strongly worded critique of the administration’s performance nearly two years into office.
According to him, the controversial same-faith ticket was merely a political strategy to secure electoral victory rather than a commitment to advancing the interests of Muslims or addressing the concerns of the largely Muslim North.
“Tinubu won the 2023 election using the Muslim-Muslim ticket, but today Muslims are suffering under his government,” he said. “It is clear he is not governing with the interests of Muslims or Islam in mind.”
The professor further alleged that the northern region, which overwhelmingly supported the ticket, has not received adequate attention in terms of development and policy focus.
“The North, which is predominantly Muslim, is not his priority. What he appears to prioritise is Lagos, and even there, his political alliances cut across religious lines,” he added.
Mr Mansur urged fellow Islamic clerics to shift away from religious sentiment in political advocacy, insisting that future campaigns should be anchored on measurable achievements rather than identity politics.
He challenged supporters of the president to justify their backing with evidence of improved governance across key sectors.
“Anyone who wants to campaign for Tinubu should tell Nigerians what he has done—whether in education, healthcare, agriculture, business, the economy, or electricity,” he said.
“But if there is nothing to point to, then Nigerians should be free to explore other options in the hope of finding relief.”
His comments reflect growing debate within religious and political circles over the role of faith in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially following the backlash and expectations that trailed the adoption of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the last general elections.
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