Nigerian Lecturer Urges Northern Clerics to ‘Stop Using Religion to Campaign for Corrupt Politicians’

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, a Nigerian academic from Kano and lecturer at the University of Cologne, Germany, has urged Islamic clerics in Northern Nigeria to stop using religion to campaign for politicians with questionable records.

Ibrahim, who is also active on social media, made the call in a Facebook post on Monday while reflecting on the changing role of Islamic scholars in Northern Nigerian society.

He recalled the late Malam Jaafar Mahmud Adam as an example of a cleric who combined strong Islamic scholarship, powerful oratory and independence from political authorities.

Ibrahim specifically cited Jaafar’s resignation from the Kano State Hisbah Board during the administration of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau as an indication of his independence from state power.

According to him, Jaafar’s sermons commanded attention because he was willing to speak against those in authority regardless of who occupied political office.

“While, of course, times have changed and many people today lack that religious fervor, we apparently no longer have clerics like Malam Jaafar. His colleagues, including his contemporaries or students, are either in politics or lack that charisma,” he wrote.

The university lecturer said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the conduct of some religious scholars who use their platforms to support politicians despite corruption allegations and questionable records.

“I feel deeply embarrassed by the conduct of some so-called religious scholars. I am of the opinion that everyone has the right to join politics. But how so?” Ibrahim stated.

He urged clerics to separate religious guidance from political support for individuals whose conduct contradicts the values they preach.

“I kindly urge our clerics to stop using religion to campaign for corrupt politicians and others with very questionable records. It’s counterproductive to the religious injunctions you preach. Islam, or any other religion for that matter, doesn’t condone corruption and injustice,” he said.

Ibrahim also called on Islamic scholars to use their pulpits to demand greater protection for Nigerians amid worsening insecurity across the country.

“Our clerics need to change course. Use your pulpits to call on the government to protect the lives and the businesses of the Nigerian citizens,” he said.

He expressed concern over the spread of kidnapping, noting that innocent Nigerians were being abducted from places that should ordinarily provide safety.

“From mosques to markets, schools, and houses, innocent people have been kidnapped. Pressure the authorities to stop this madness. This is the leadership we need,” Ibrahim added.

Ibrahim’s comments come amid renewed public discussions about the role of Islamic scholars and religious institutions in Nigerian politics, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, in the Facebook post, he did not specifically mention the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any particular political party or candidate.