By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Islamic scholars and political leaders under the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis-Sunnah (JIBWIS) have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came at a national symposium in Jos, Plateau State, where Deputy President of the Senate, Jibril Barau, joined other political leaders and Islamic scholars at the gathering.
JIBWIS organised the symposium with the theme, “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria.”
The organisation said the event attracted more than 350 participants, including Islamic clerics, politicians, academics, professionals and youth representatives from across the country.
JIBWIS National President, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, hosted the symposium.
Governors of Kano, Sokoto, Yobe and Jigawa states, the Minister of Water Resources, Barau and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Affairs also attended.
The endorsement comes as political parties and politicians intensify preparations and realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
JIBWIS also pledged to support any decision taken by Jingir, the National Chairman of its Ulama’u Council, on the 2027 elections, including a possible Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
However, the organisation said political participation should focus on integrity, competence, justice, accountability and service to humanity, rather than ethnic or sectional interests.
The scholars urged political parties to strengthen internal democracy, promote issue-based campaigns and avoid hate speech and divisive rhetoric.
They also expressed concern over terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence across the country.
While commending the Armed Forces and other security agencies, JIBWIS called for better intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved training and adequate equipment for security personnel.
