By George Omagbemi
Imam Dahiru Abubakar has reportedly been removed from his position at Masjid Abdullahi Bin Zubbair in Madina quarters, Bauchi metropolis, following disagreements with the mosque committee over his public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Reports published on October 22 said the imam repeatedly discussed Tinubu’s administration and the 2027 election during preaching sessions after obligatory prayers, despite warnings from the committee.
Abubakar reportedly defended his remarks, arguing that President Tinubu should not be blamed personally for Nigeria’s insecurity and economic difficulties. He urged worshippers to embrace faith and prayer, suggesting that similar challenges were affecting other African countries.
The chairman of the mosque committee, Imam Abubakar Jibrin, confirmed the removal, according to the reports.
He said the disagreement extended beyond support for Tinubu to concerns about political discussions inside the mosque and gatherings organised around political issues.
Jibrin also disclosed that a proposal attributed to Abubakar to rename the mosque after President Tinubu had been rejected because the mosque belonged to the community.
The committee maintained that the mosque should remain a place of worship rather than become a platform for political mobilisation. It reportedly said the imam had received several warnings before the decision was taken.
The development has drawn attention to the boundaries between religious preaching and partisan political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
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