Islamic clerics should join politics rather than merely pray for politicians — Sheikh Gumi

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has backed the active participation of religious scholars in politics, saying there is nothing wrong with clerics seeking elective office or taking part in governance.

Gumi made the remark on Monday in a Facebook post amid growing debate over whether Islamic scholars should remain focused on religious preaching or become directly involved in partisan politics.

The discussion has intensified following the political ambitions of notable clerics, including former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Sheikh Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in Gombe State, and Sokoto-based scholar Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Sani, who declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.

Critics argue that politics is too divisive and could expose religious leaders to insults, political attacks and reputational damage, thereby weakening their moral authority. They believe clerics should instead provide spiritual guidance and hold leaders accountable from outside government.

Supporters, however, maintain that competent and principled scholars should not shy away from public office, insisting that meaningful national transformation requires good people to participate directly in governance.

Adding his voice to the debate, Gumi said scholars who endure the challenges of politics contribute more than those who remain on the sidelines.

“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.

His comments are expected to further fuel discussions on the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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