North West Muslim Elders to Tinubu: Ignore Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar’s Self-Serving Agenda.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline | February 3, 2026.
The North West Muslim Elders Forum has issued a strong caution to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to disregard what it described as “reckless, deceptive, and self-serving” pronouncements by the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria (SCSN), Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Forum accused Dr. Bashir of deliberately weaponising religious authority to pursue narrow personal and political interests, warning that such conduct poses a serious threat to democratic stability and national cohesion.
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At the centre of the controversy is Dr. Bashir’s recent call for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan. The elders dismissed the demand as baseless and dangerous, describing it as a calculated attempt to weaken democratic institutions and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
“The call for the sack of the INEC Chairman is not supported by facts, law, or reason,” the Forum stated. “It is an irresponsible intervention that appears designed to advance private political ambitions rather than protect democratic integrity.”
The Forum also took issue with Dr. Bashir’s vocal criticism of the Federal Government’s economic and tax reform agenda.
According to the elders, these reforms—though demanding—are aimed at strengthening accountability, expanding the national revenue base, and laying the foundation for sustainable development.
They accused Dr. Bashir of deliberately misrepresenting these policies as anti-poor in order to inflame public sentiment and discredit the Tinubu administration.
“Misleading the public under the guise of religious concern is unacceptable,” the statement read.
“The reforms being implemented are necessary for national recovery and long-term economic stability.”
Beyond policy disagreements, the elders raised more serious allegations, accusing Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar of attempting to pressure the Presidency to intervene in the Kano emirate crisis. They alleged that his actions are motivated by a desire to protect the interests of a close associate, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
According to the Forum, this represents a troubling misuse of religious influence to advance political loyalty and personal alliances.
The statement further alleged that Dr. Bashir’s sudden and aggressive opposition to tax reforms may be a diversionary tactic intended to deflect scrutiny from questions surrounding the substantial school fees reportedly charged at a private educational institution he owns and operates.
“This selective outrage raises legitimate concerns about motive,” the elders noted, stressing that public advocacy should be driven by sincerity and moral consistency, not convenience.
The North West Muslim Elders Forum concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and discerning, warning against individuals who cloak personal ambitions in religious rhetoric. They appealed to President Tinubu to remain focused on governance, institutional reforms, and national development, while ignoring politically motivated distractions presented as religious advocacy.
“Religion must never be used as a tool for blackmail or personal enrichment,” the Forum said. “Nigeria’s future depends on leadership that is firm, fair, and resistant to manipulation.”
The statement was signed by:
Sheikh Imam Zikrillah
Chairman, North West Muslim Elders Forum
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 3RD 2026)
