Bauchi Mosque Sacks Imam Over Alleged Campaign for Tinubu Re-Election Bid

According to report by Nigerian Tribune on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Mallam Dahiru Abubakar, the imam of Madina Quarters Mosque in Bauchi metropolis, has been removed from his position following his alleged campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.

Abubakar was reportedly suspended earlier after repeatedly disregarding warnings from the mosque committee over his political activities.

However, after returning from the suspension on Sunday, he allegedly resumed his campaign immediately after the Subh (morning) prayers.

His conduct prompted the mosque committee to launch an investigation, which eventually resulted in a recommendation for his removal.

Speaking about the development, Abubakar confirmed that he had been urging worshippers and other members of the community not to blame President Tinubu for the country’s insecurity and economic difficulties.

According to him, Nigerians were prepared to support Tinubu with another mandate in 2027.

The former imam said his sermons were primarily focused on encouraging people to fear God and rely on prayers rather than continuously blaming political leaders for the nation’s challenges.

He explained that he had referred to insecurity and conflicts in countries such as Sudan, Chad and Mali to illustrate that such problems were not peculiar to Nigeria or necessarily the responsibility of a particular leader.

However, chairman of the mosque committee, Imam Abubakar Jibrin, confirmed Abubakar’s removal and said there was no plan to reinstate him.

Jibrin explained that the disagreement went beyond the imam’s support for Tinubu.

He accused Abubakar of gathering people around the mosque to discuss political matters and, on some occasions, deliberately entering the mosque to engage in political discussions.

According to him, the committee repeatedly warned Abubakar against turning the mosque into a venue for political activities, stressing that the mosque should remain dedicated to the worship of Allah.

Jibrin also disclosed that Abubakar had proposed changing the mosque’s name from Abdullahi Bin Zubbair Mosque to Masjid Imam Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The committee rejected the proposal, maintaining that the mosque belongs to the community and that its existing name would remain.

The chairman said Abubakar was free to establish his own mosque if he wished to name it after Tinubu.

Jibrin stressed that the committee was not opposed to any political candidate, adding that its prayer was for Allah to choose the best leader for Nigeria, whether Tinubu or any other presidential candidate.

Ladipsmews feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com