BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

No fewer than 1,117 Islamic clerics drawn from the Izala and Tijjaniyya movements in Katsina State have declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, signalling fresh political mobilisation among influential religious figures in the state.

The clerics, comprising Islamic scholars, imams, male and female preachers, and teachers, announced their position on Sunday at a gathering organised by Ibrahim Masari, the President’s adviser on political matters.

Speaking at the event, Masari conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation to the religious leaders and assured them that the President and his administration would not betray the trust placed in them by the people of Katsina.

He also urged the clerics to mobilise their followers in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal, state and local government levels as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Masari further called on the religious leaders to uphold honesty, integrity and accountability, stressing that these values should guide their conduct in both religious activities and public engagements.

Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqa Rabe-Darma, urged the clerics to use their influence within their communities to explain the Tinubu administration’s policies and political agenda.

Rabe-Darma said Islamic scholars occupied an influential position in society because of their regular interactions with worshippers and their ability to shape public understanding through sermons and community engagements.

He noted that politicians across different parties frequently sought the support and blessings of religious leaders, reflecting the trust many communities placed in their guidance.

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The minister encouraged the clerics to use their platforms, particularly Friday sermons and other community gatherings, to communicate their position on Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

In his remarks, Sheikh Aminu Usman, popularly known as Abu Ammar and a former Katsina State Hisbah commander, urged Islamic scholars to take an active interest in political affairs rather than remain silent as the country approaches another election cycle.

Usman argued that the responsibilities of religious scholars extended beyond spiritual guidance to include educating the public about leadership, governance and the qualities citizens should consider when choosing political representatives.

Citing Islamic teachings on the relationship between scholarship and leadership, he urged clerics to speak truthfully about political developments and help their followers assess candidates based on their records and performance.

He added that religious leaders had a responsibility to encourage informed political choices as parties and their supporters intensified activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement adds a new dimension to early political mobilisation in Katsina, where religious institutions and community leaders remain influential voices in public affairs. However, the declaration by the 1,117 clerics does not in itself establish how their followers will vote in the forthcoming election.