Sokoto Islamic Scholar Accuses Tinubu of Using Muslim-Muslim Ticket as Electoral Tactic
Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, a prominent Islamic scholar based in Sokoto, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu employed a Muslim-Muslim ticket as a strategic maneuver to secure victory in the 2023 presidential election. During his Eid sermon delivered on Friday, March 20, in Sokoto, the cleric contended that this approach was primarily designed to garner electoral support rather than to advance the interests of the Muslim community.
Claims of Neglect in Northern Region Under Tinubu's Administration
Professor Ibrahim further asserted that the northern region, which has a predominantly Muslim population, has not been adequately prioritized under the current administration. He stated, "The northern region which is predominantly Muslim is not his priority either. What he is only after is Lagos, and even in Lagos, his allies are the Christians." This allegation highlights concerns about regional disparities and the perceived focus on Lagos at the expense of other areas.
Call for Shift to Issue-Based Political Campaigns
The cleric issued a caution to fellow Islamic leaders, urging them to refrain from endorsing political candidates based solely on religious affiliations in future elections. Instead, he advocated for a transition towards issue-based campaigns that emphasize measurable performance in critical sectors. He emphasized, "Whosoever will campaign for Tinubu should tell us what he did for us. But if there is nothing to campaign for him with, we should be allowed to try other candidates, maybe we can get relief." Key areas he mentioned include education, healthcare, agriculture, the economy, business, and electricity supply.
As of the reporting time, attempts to secure a response from the Presidency were unsuccessful, with calls and messages to presidential spokespersons remaining unanswered. This development comes amid broader political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, where other figures have also commented on potential electoral strategies and alliances.
