The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has voiced its discontent with the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, which emerged victorious in the 2023 general election. Contrary to the prevailing assumption that such a ticket would benefit Muslim communities, the SCSN contends that these communities, particularly in the South-West region of Yorubaland, have not experienced any tangible advantages. This sentiment was articulated by Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, the President of the SCSN, during a pre-Ramadan lecture held in Kaduna. He emphasized that a significant portion of the Muslim population in Nigeria, especially in the South-West, where the ticket received overwhelming support, continues to face political marginalization despite their electoral choice. Hadiyyatullah underscored that while the election demonstrated the capacity of Nigerians to vote across religious lines without triggering societal conflict, it has not translated into equitable treatment for all communities, irrespective of their faith.
The SCSN president went on to express solidarity with Muslims in the South-West who feel a sense of betrayal after having voted the current administration into power. He cautioned against attempts to divide the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, emphasizing the council’s role as a guiding force ensuring that faith is not compromised for political expediency. Hadiyyatullah highlighted the council’s long-standing commitment to addressing insecurity and ethno-religious crises in Nigeria, including engagements with key security stakeholders and intelligence agencies. He stressed the urgency of decisive government action in response to these challenges, which continue to plague the nation.
Furthermore, the SCSN expressed deep concern over the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in the country, characterizing them as increasingly unbearable. Hadiyyatullah pointed to the adverse impact of government policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, which has triggered a sharp rise in the cost of living. Essentials such as food, transportation, and other basic goods have become increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians. The depreciating value of the naira, coupled with high inflation and stagnant wages, has further eroded the purchasing power of citizens, exacerbating their economic hardship.
The SCSN president criticized the government’s introduction of multiple new taxes and tariffs shortly after assuming office. He cited examples such as the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, the 4% FOB charge on imports, the 15% NPA tariff, the doubling of ATM charges, and proposed electricity tariff increases. These measures, according to Hadiyyatullah, further burden the already struggling populace. He reiterated the council’s commitment to advocating for policies that alleviate these burdens and protect the interests of the most vulnerable segments of society.
The selection of Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate, creating a Muslim-Muslim ticket, had sparked controversy and outrage in various quarters, including within the ruling party itself. Prior to Shettima’s appointment, Ibrahim Masari had held the vice-presidential slot as a placeholder. His withdrawal paved the way for Shettima’s nomination, a decision that solidified the Muslim-Muslim ticket and ultimately led to their victory in the 2023 presidential election.
The SCSN’s concerns underscore the complex interplay of religion and politics in Nigeria. Despite the peaceful conduct of the election and the demonstration of interfaith voting, the council’s critique highlights the perceived disconnect between political representation and tangible benefits for the represented communities. The economic hardship faced by Nigerians, exacerbated by government policies, further complicates the political landscape and adds to the sense of disillusionment among those who had hoped for a more equitable and prosperous future. The SCSN’s call for decisive action and policies that prioritize the welfare of the vulnerable segments of society reflects the urgent need for government intervention to address the economic challenges and build trust among the populace. The situation underscores the ongoing debate on the role of religion in politics and the importance of inclusive governance that caters to the needs of all citizens regardless of their faith.
