More than 1,000 Islamic clerics have called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re-election bid unless his administration reverses economic policies they say are worsening hardship, as a new Yiaga Africa survey reveals that 84 per cent of Nigerians say they are likely to vote in the next presidential election.
The clerics’ demand came amid growing concerns over the cost of living, insecurity and unemployment, while the Yiaga survey highlighted another challenge ahead of the 2027 polls: declining confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and fears that violence could prevent many Nigerians from voting.
Key Highlights
- More than 1,000 Islamic clerics urged Tinubu not to seek re-election unless his policies change.
- The clerics criticised fuel subsidy removal, naira reforms, electricity tariffs and tax policies.
- They also condemned insecurity, killings, kidnappings and banditry across parts of Nigeria.
- Yiaga Africa says 84 per cent of Nigerians surveyed are likely to vote in 2027.
- Fear of electoral violence could discourage 61 per cent of potential voters.
- Confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct a credible election fell to 34 per cent.
- Fifty-four per cent of respondents disapproved of Tinubu’s performance, while 71 per cent rated the economy poorly.
Islamic Clerics Oppose Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid
The clerics’ position was contained in a communique issued after a national conference held in Kano on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The conference, titled “An Assessment of the State of the Nation under President Tinubu and the 2027 General Elections,” was organised by Ko Da Naka, a group focused on good governance and community development, in collaboration with the AFAQ Educational Foundation.
Participants criticised several economic policies introduced under the Tinubu administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, the floating of the naira, higher electricity tariffs and tax reforms.
According to the communique, the policies have contributed to increased living costs and unemployment while placing greater emphasis on government revenue.
Clerics Condemn Insecurity and Economic Hardship
The conference participants also raised concerns over killings, kidnappings and banditry, particularly in parts of the North-West.
They further expressed concern about the migration of professionals, including doctors, teachers and engineers, from Nigeria.
The clerics argued that the combination of economic hardship and insecurity had created conditions that required a change in government policy.
The communique stated that it would be inappropriate to re-elect the Tinubu administration in 2027 if the government failed to change what the participants described as harmful economic policies.
The group also urged Tinubu not to contest the 2027 election, adding that if he proceeds with his ambition, citizens should reject his candidacy in favour of leaders they believe can provide better governance.
Not All Islamic Groups Oppose Tinubu
The Kano position does not represent a unanimous stance among Islamic organisations in Nigeria.
The call came at a time when groups including Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Wa Iqamatussunnah (JIBWIS) and the Qadiriyya Sufi order, among others, have publicly expressed support for Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 election.
The contrasting positions highlight the political divisions among religious and community groups as the country moves towards the next general election.
Yiaga Africa Survey Shows 84% Likely to Vote
While the Kano communique focused on economic and security concerns, a new Yiaga Africa National Voting Intentions Survey provided insight into voter behaviour ahead of the 2027 election.
The third round of the survey was launched in Abuja on Sunday.
The September survey covered 2,470 adults across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Of the respondents, 2,066 were interviewed by telephone, while 404 respondents in rural areas were interviewed face-to-face.
The survey found that 84 per cent of respondents said they were either likely or very likely to vote in the 2027 elections.
That figure represents an increase from 73 per cent recorded in March.
However, only 47 per cent described themselves as “very likely” to vote, while about 41 per cent said they were both committed to voting and had already decided which candidate to support.
Many Voters Remain Undecided
The Yiaga survey also revealed considerable uncertainty among potential voters.
About 44 per cent of those inclined to vote said they had not yet decided who they would support.
The findings suggest that although many Nigerians currently intend to participate in the 2027 election, a significant portion of the electorate remains open to persuasion.
This could make economic conditions, security and campaign promises important factors in determining voter choices as the election approaches.
Read also:
- Bwala Admits Tinubu’s Reforms Pushed More Nigerians Into Poverty, Rejects Amaechi’s Claim on Mother
- Osun 2026: INEC Under Scrutiny As Money Politics, Violence, Security Threats Test Nigeria’s Road To 2027
- ADC Chieftain Declares Tinubu Administration Worst Since 1999
Insecurity Could Keep Nigerians Away From Polls
Security emerged as one of the biggest threats to voter turnout.
According to Yiaga Africa, 61 per cent of respondents said fear of violence could discourage them from voting.
The concern was significantly higher in the North-East, where 78 per cent said insecurity could affect their willingness to participate.
The survey also found that between 82 and 83 per cent of respondents would be more likely to vote if security around polling areas improved.
Confidence in INEC Falls to 34%
The survey raised concerns about public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral institutions.
Only 34 per cent of respondents expressed confidence that INEC would conduct a credible election, down from 45 per cent recorded in the two previous rounds of the survey.
Meanwhile, 49 per cent said they had greater trust in technologies such as BVAS accreditation and IReV result transmission than in the electoral commission itself.
Confidence in the judicial process was also weak, with 63 per cent of respondents reporting little or no confidence in the courts to resolve election disputes.
Nigerians Rate Economy Poorly
The Yiaga survey also revealed significant dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration.
About 54 per cent of respondents said they disapproved of Tinubu’s performance, while 71 per cent rated the Nigerian economy as poor or very poor.
A desire for a change in leadership was identified as the leading reason for intending to vote, cited by 49 per cent of respondents.
The economy and jobs followed at 38 per cent, while security was cited by 36 per cent.
Yiaga Africa board chairman Hussein Abdul described the findings as a wake-up call for INEC, security agencies and political parties rather than a final verdict on the 2027 election.
2027 Election Battle Already Taking Shape
The clerics’ demand and Yiaga Africa’s survey present two different but connected challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Kano conference reflects concerns among some Islamic clerics over economic hardship and insecurity and their potential impact on political support for Tinubu.
The Yiaga survey, meanwhile, shows that a large majority of Nigerians currently intend to vote but that insecurity, distrust in INEC and dissatisfaction with the economy could influence participation and voter choices.
The findings also show that many potential voters have yet to decide which candidate they will support.
As political parties intensify their preparations, the ability of the government to address economic hardship and insecurity — and the ability of INEC and security agencies to deliver a credible and peaceful election — could become decisive issues in the 2027 presidential contest.
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