Youths in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State have reportedly assaulted an Islamic cleric after he allegedly used a mosque sermon to campaign for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The incident reportedly followed remarks attributed to the imam during a sermon, although the alleged assault and details surrounding it had not been independently verified as of August 26, 2026.
Imam Allegedly Links Politics to Faith
According to circulating social media reports and local media accounts, the imam allegedly told worshippers that those unwilling to support a Muslim-Muslim ticket should examine their faith.
The comments reportedly angered some younger worshippers, with the situation escalating into a confrontation after the sermon. Elders and security personnel were said to have intervened after the cleric was allegedly beaten.
Parallel Facts amplified the report on X on August 25, while another post by user Hon. Abdul (@Gassol0001) also referenced the alleged assault.
Dalung Condemns Violence
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Solomon Dalung said he could not independently confirm that the beating occurred.
However, he argued that mosques should not be turned into political campaign grounds and that political preferences should not be presented as a test of religious faith.
Dalung also condemned any physical attack on the imam, stressing that disagreement with a cleric’s political views does not justify violence.
Incident Raises Religion and Politics Concerns
The reported confrontation has renewed concerns about the politicisation of places of worship and the use of religious identity in Nigeria’s 2027 election campaigns.
The development comes amid worsening concerns over insecurity and economic hardship in parts of Sokoto State. Earlier in August, bandit attacks in the region reportedly killed a chief imam and other residents in Kebbe Local Government Area.
Discussions around President Tinubu’s possible re-election have also intensified, with some northern Islamic scholars publicly endorsing him while other clerics have criticised the performance of the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the APC in the 2023 election.
Authorities Yet to Confirm Assault
The alleged assault reportedly drew the attention of security agencies as efforts were made to prevent further tension in the community.
However, no official statement from the Sokoto State Police Command or state government confirming the incident, arrests or the condition of the imam was available in the initial reports.
The claims therefore remain based largely on social media posts and secondary reports, pending official clarification. The incident has nevertheless fuelled wider debate over insecurity, economic hardship, religious politics and the conduct of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
