2027: ADC URGES CLERICS TO PRESERVE INDEPENDENCE, MORAL AUTHORITY

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

The African Democratic Congress, Jigawa State Chapter, has urged Islamic scholars and clerics to protect their independence, credibility and moral authority by avoiding political affiliations or activities that could erode public confidence in them.

The call was made in a statement issued to journalists by the ADC Youth Ambassador, North and Deputy Chairman of the party in Jigawa State, Ambassador Nuraddeen Suleiman Jidawa.

The party described the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term by some Northern Islamic scholars, clerics and preachers as unfortunate.

The ADC also expressed concern over efforts to portray endorsements by individual religious leaders as representing the views of the wider Muslim community.

The party challenged claims contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the Northern Muslim Intellectuals, particularly the assertion that the Tinubu administration initiated the Kano-Dutse/Kano-Maradi railway project.

According to the ADC, the railway project was approved and awarded in 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The party therefore 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 disputed claims of improved security, particularly across the North-West, citing recent incidents of kidnapping and terrorist attacks in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

It urged Islamic scholars and clerics to remain politically neutral and resist financial inducements, political pressure or access to power that could compromise their independence and credibility.

The party further 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 Nigerians to assess the Tinubu administration based on key indicators, including security, economic wellbeing, employment, infrastructure, transparency and accountability.

While acknowledging the right of individual clerics to make personal political choices, the party maintained that such endorsements should not be presented as the collective position of the Muslim community.

The ADC urged religious leaders to maintain their moral authority and continue to serve as independent voices on issues affecting the country.