An Imam Was Preaching In Mosque The aMoment He Said Support Tinubu The Worshippers Walked Out—Shaibu

Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the involvement of religious activities in political campaigns following public discussions surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

According to a report by Channels Television on Monday, November 2, 2026, Shaibu argued that religious exercises should be treated as personal acts of worship rather than opportunities for politicians to promote their ambitions or attract public sympathy. He maintained that Tinubu’s journey to Saudi Arabia was essentially a spiritual undertaking and should not be used to advance political interests.

Speaking during a television interview, the opposition figure stressed that religion and partisan politics should be kept separate, warning that attempts to attach political messages to religious gatherings could generate unnecessary controversy. He suggested that such developments were particularly sensitive given the criticism the current administration has continued to receive from opposition figures and other sections of the public.

Shaibu also referred to a video reportedly published by Leadership Newspaper, which showed an imam addressing worshippers inside a mosque after conducting prayers. According to his account, the religious leader was seen encouraging those present to support President Tinubu, but some worshippers reportedly began leaving the mosque following the political remarks.

The former vice-president’s aide cited the incident as an indication of what he believes is growing dissatisfaction with the president and his administration. He argued that religious institutions should not become platforms for political mobilisation, particularly when worshippers have gathered primarily to fulfil their religious obligations.

However, Shaibu’s interpretation of the footage represents his political assessment, and the reported departure of some worshippers does not, on its own, establish the broader political opinions of those present or the general population.

The ADC chieftain further insisted that the incident should not be dismissed as an isolated development. He claimed that Tinubu was experiencing increasing rejection across different parts of the country and questioned the widely expressed view that the president enjoys particularly strong political support in northern Nigeria.

In his remarks, Shaibu said, “It is not isolated. Listen to me, this man knows he has been rejected everywhere. When you say my principal’s strongest stronghold is in northern Nigeria, I think I think you are being economical with the truth.”

He used the opportunity to challenge suggestions that the northern region remained a dependable political base for the president, arguing that such assessments did not accurately reflect the political mood across the country.

Shaibu’s comments have added another dimension to the ongoing political debate surrounding Tinubu’s recent religious visit to Saudi Arabia. While the pilgrimage was undertaken as an Islamic spiritual exercise, discussions about the political significance attached to the trip have continued among supporters of the administration and opposition figures.

The controversy also highlights the longstanding debate over the relationship between religion and politics in Nigeria, where religious affiliations and institutions sometimes feature prominently in political discussions and election campaigns.

Watch the video from 19:01 to 19:55 minutes

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