Sheikh Abdurrahman Abubakar Azzamfari, an Islamic cleric and participant in a recent meeting of Muslim scholars in northern Nigeria, has rejected claims stating that more than 500 attendees endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 elections. He asserted that the issue of endorsement was neither discussed nor agreed upon during the Muslim Intellectual Forum meeting held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Azzamfari expressed his disappointment in a video message shared on social media, categorically stating, “The talk that 500 scholars at the meeting agreed to endorse and re-elect Tinubu is not true. That was not discussed with us at all.” He further contested reports that the scholars granted “100 per cent” backing for the President’s second term.
The cleric emphasized that before any political endorsement could be considered, the scholars should have the opportunity to voice their concerns and recommendations to the government. “If they want us to support Tinubu, let them hear our views and suggestions, and let us see them carried out in truth,” he said. He also called for any agreements reached with the scholars to be properly documented.
Azzamfari noted that the meeting in Dutse was the fifth organized by the Muslim Intellectual Forum, with earlier meetings taking place in Kaduna and Abuja. He stated that 12 scholars were chosen from each northern state for the latest event, which was initially presented as a non-political gathering aimed at advising the government and supporting citizens facing economic challenges.
Despite the forum’s intended purpose, Azzamfari criticized the management of some meetings, claiming scholars were not adequately allowed to share their views. He recounted an earlier meeting in Kaduna where participants experienced distress due to loud music. “Only Allah knows the kind of distress we went through because of that music,” he lamented.
Regarding the Dutse meeting, Azzamfari described delays as officials addressed participants, claiming they waited several hours before journalists were sent out and later invited back to hear of the supposed endorsement. He further noted that only one scholar was permitted a brief two-minute contribution from the gathered attendees, which he found to be inadequate.
Although he declined to provide details about any supposed financial incentives offered to participants, Azzamfari criticized the exploitation of religious leaders by politicians. He insisted that if the forum was genuinely aimed at reform, organizers should consult scholars on specific proposals and timelines for implementation.
Azzamfari clarified that his stance should not be misconstrued as an endorsement or opposition to President Tinubu. “I am not with oppression and I am not with lies… If it is good, we support it. If not, I will not do it,” he concluded.
