News, Politics

“You Used Us and Dumped Us” — Sokoto Cleric Blasts Tinubu Over Alleged Neglect of Northern Muslims

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 24th, 2026.

Tensions over post-election expectations took a dramatic turn as prominent Islamic scholar, Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, openly accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of abandoning the very Muslim and northern support base that played a key role in his 2023 electoral victory. Speaking during his Eid sermon, the cleric expressed deep frustration, claiming that many of those who backed the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket now feel sidelined and disillusioned.

The cleric argued that the much-discussed Muslim-Muslim ticket that contributed to Tinubu’s electoral victory was driven more by political strategy than by a genuine commitment to advancing Muslim interests. “While the ticket played a role in the election outcome, many Muslims today feel left out and are yet to see policies that directly address their concerns,” he said.

His remarks echo sentiments reported in parts of the national media landscape. For instance, The Guardian Nigeriaand Daily Trust have in recent months highlighted growing debates around political expectations and regional inclusion following the 2023 elections.

Professor Ibrahim further expressed concern over what he described as the lack of sufficient attention to the northern region, noting that many residents are still grappling with economic and social challenges. He suggested that the administration’s priorities appear uneven, a perception that has also fueled discussions across social media platforms and public discourse.

In a direct message to fellow clerics and opinion leaders, the scholar urged caution against relying on religious sentiment as a basis for political support in the future. Instead, he emphasized the need for leaders to be evaluated on measurable performance. “Support for any leader should be based on visible achievements. If there is nothing to point to, then citizens should be open to exploring other options,” he stated, stressing the importance of accountability.

He also called on Nigerians to critically assess government performance across key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, the economy, business environment, and power supply, insisting that these areas provide a clearer picture of leadership effectiveness than political or religious affiliations.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Presidency. Attempts to reach presidential spokespersons were unsuccessful, a situation also noted by outlets like The Punch, which reported that inquiries on the matter had yet to receive formal replies.

The comments have since sparked conversations among political observers, with many viewing them as part of a broader national dialogue on governance, inclusion, and accountability in the current administration.