Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has backed the participation of Islamic clerics in partisan politics, saying there is nothing wrong with religious scholars seeking elective offices.
Gumi made his position known in a Facebook post on Monday amid growing debate over whether clerics should remain focused on religious preaching or actively participate in politics.
The discussion has gained momentum following the decision of some prominent Islamic scholars to join partisan politics, a move that has continued to generate mixed reactions, particularly among Muslims in northern Nigeria.
Among the notable clerics are former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Sheikh Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who recently emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Gombe State, and Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sani, who in February 2026 declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Several other Islamic scholars have also served or are currently serving in different political positions across the country.
While critics argue that politics is too divisive and could expose clerics to insults, political attacks and ridicule capable of undermining their moral authority, supporters insist that scholars should not remain on the sidelines while the country grapples with leadership challenges.
According to supporters, competent and credible religious leaders should be free to contest elections and contribute directly to governance instead of limiting their roles to preaching and prayers.
Reacting to the controversy, Gumi maintained that active participation in politics was more beneficial than merely praying for political leaders from outside the system.
“A religious scholar who gets involved in politics and bears its rigours is better than one who sits on a prayer mat, offering prayers for politicians,” Gumi wrote.
