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

According to a report by Channels Television on Monday, November 2, 2026, Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the use of religious activities for political purposes, following public discussions surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Shaibu argued that the Islamic pilgrimage should be treated strictly as an act of worship rather than an opportunity to promote political interests or seek public support. He maintained that the president’s decision to travel to Saudi Arabia was a personal religious exercise and should not be turned into a political campaign.

Speaking during an interview, Shaibu explained that religious activities should remain separate from political competition. He suggested that attempts to connect the president’s pilgrimage with political messaging could create unnecessary controversy, particularly at a time when the administration is facing criticism from different sections of the public.

The former vice president’s aide also referred to a video reportedly published by Leadership Newspaper, which showed an imam addressing worshippers in a mosque after leading prayers. According to Shaibu, the imam reportedly encouraged those present to support Tinubu, but some worshippers were seen leaving the mosque following the political message.

He used the reported incident to argue that public dissatisfaction with the administration was becoming noticeable in different places. However, his interpretation of the incident reflects his political position, and the video alone does not establish the wider opinion of worshippers or Nigerians.

Shaibu insisted that the reaction should not be dismissed as an isolated occurrence. He further claimed that Tinubu was facing growing rejection across the country and questioned suggestions that the president and his political camp maintained strong support in northern Nigeria.

In his remarks, he 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.”

His comments have added to the political debate surrounding Tinubu’s religious visit and the relationship between religion and politics in Nigeria.

The controversy also reflects continuing disagreements between supporters of the president and opposition figures over public acceptance of the administration. While Shaibu maintains that the reported reactions point to dissatisfaction, his claims about the president’s level of support across the country have not been established by the incidents he cited.

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

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