By Paul Joseph
Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, a well-respected Islamic scholar, has cautioned religious leaders against endorsing President Bola Tinubu based on religious affiliation, stating that the Muslim-Muslim ticket has not provided tangible benefits to Muslims or the northern region.
During his Eid sermon in Sokoto, he criticized the current government nearly two years after the 2023 elections.
He contended that the same-faith ticket was primarily a political maneuver aimed at gaining power rather than a sincere effort to enhance the lives of Muslims.
“Tinubu won with the Muslim-Muslim ticket, yet Muslims are currently suffering,” he remarked, noting the lack of evidence that the government is prioritizing Muslim interests or addressing the issues faced in the North.
Mansur also pointed out that the northern region, which largely backed the ticket, has not experienced significant development or policy attention.
He suggested that the president seems more concerned with Lagos and broader political alliances than with religious matters.
He urged religious leaders to refrain from using faith as a means of political mobilization and to concentrate on actual performance.
He challenged the president’s supporters to identify clear accomplishments in key areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, the economy, and electricity.
“If there is nothing to show, Nigerians should feel free to explore other options,” he added.
His remarks contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the influence of religion in Nigeria’s politics, particularly following the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023.
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