* As LEMU hosts over 400 imams at annual conference
Director of the Quality Assurance Unit, University of Ilorin, Professor Abdul Razzaq Abdul Majeed Alaro, has called on Muslims to remain actively engaged in the electoral process to avoid marginalisation, saying participation in voting aligns with Islamic principles of consultation and civic responsibility.
Prof. Alaro, while speaking at the annual Imams Conference organised by the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) over the weekend, noted that Imams serve as both spiritual leaders and community guides tasked with offering direction on religious and civic matters, including elections.
Held at the Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla Multipurpose Hall, Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos, the conference, themed “Imam, Politics and Leadership”, attracted over 400 Imams and Islamic scholars from Lagos and other parts of the country.
Muslim News gathered that prominent Muslim scholars and political stakeholders attended the event, including the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, and the President of the Lagos State Muslim Community, Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole.
The programme, chaired by Alhaji AbdulWaidi Yinka Adeola, was held as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
While speaking on the topic, “The Shariah Position on Voting,” Professor Alaro said political participation is necessary to safeguard communal interests and ensure that Muslims are not excluded from decision-making processes in society. “Muslims should remain engaged in the electoral process to avoid marginalisation,” he said.
Alaro, a Professor of Law, explained that voting is recognised in Islamic teachings as part of collective decision-making and consultation, noting that leadership selection has always been a key concern in Islamic governance.
He, however, distinguished between Islamic principles and modern democratic systems, saying that while democracy allows wide freedom of choice, Islamic guidance remains anchored in divine injunctions.
The renowned Muslim scholar noted that this creates a practical dilemma for Muslims in democratic environments, where participation may involve choosing between imperfect options.
According to him, scholars generally resolve this by weighing the consequences of participation and non-participation, adding that withdrawal from political processes could expose the Ummah to greater long-term disadvantages.
The scholar maintained that the dominant scholarly position supports participation in elections to prevent marginalisation while maintaining Islamic ethical standards in decision-making.
In his own submission, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof Oloyede called on Islamic leaders across the country to avoid using the pulpit for partisan political campaigns, urging them to prioritise unity, neutrality, and responsible leadership within their communities.
He, however, clarified that Imams are not excluded from political participation as citizens, noting that they may seek elective or appointed political offices provided they resign their religious positions before doing so.
Prof. Oloyede, who is also Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), noted that Imams carry a very sensitive responsibility that requires them to guide their congregations without introducing partisanship into the religious sphere.
Read more about his lecture HERE
Imam Lekki warns against political disengagement
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Ridwan Jamiu, reinforced the importance of political education and awareness, describing Islam as a comprehensive way of life that encompasses worship, governance, economics, and social relations.
He said Imams occupy a central position in guiding the Muslim community and must therefore be equipped to address both spiritual and civic concerns.
“Our religion, Islam, is a comprehensive religion. It touches on everything that matters to every human being. Islam is a way of life,” he said.
Dr Jamiu warned that political disengagement by Muslims would leave leadership in the hands of others whose decisions could negatively affect the community.
“If you leave politics because you think it is dirty, you will leave it to dirty people alone, and they will make everything dirty. Their policies will affect us one way or the other,” he said.
He urged Muslims to see participation in political processes as a civic responsibility, particularly in selecting leaders who shape governance outcomes.
He also noted the growing impact of the Lekki Imams Conference, saying it has been running for over seven years and continues to attract increasing participation, with over 400 Imams at the latest edition.
Dr Jamiu called for a national platform for Imams, suggesting that major Muslim organisations could consider scaling the initiative beyond Lagos to strengthen scholarly engagement on governance and civic responsibility.
Hon Danmole pushes for stronger unity among Muslims in Lagos State
Also speaking, Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole, reaffirmed the ongoing efforts to unify Muslims in Lagos State under a common administrative and spiritual structure, while calling for stronger regulation of religious activities to preserve harmony in the state.
He commended the organisers of the conference, describing the platform as impactful and steadily improving.
“My message to this gathering is to continue to do what they are doing well, and they should improve on it. Last year I was here, this year I am more impressed and happier that this is better than last year. They should continue to do something like this,” he said.
Hon. Danmole said the Muslim Community of Lagos State is working to bring all Muslims in the state under one umbrella through the Imams, explaining that the organisation has been restructured into divisions to improve coordination and inclusiveness.
He stressed that the long term goal is to ensure unity and coordination across all levels of the Muslim community in the state.
“So everybody will come together, that is what we are doing,” he added.
Imams conference fosters dialogue on religion, LEMU President says
The President of LEMU, Dr Abdulganiyu Labinjo, commended the speakers for their insightful presentations, noting that the Annual Imams Conference is not limited to electoral discussions but also serves as a platform for interaction, learning, and guidance for Imams on both religious and contemporary issues.
“The Imams Conference is meant to provide a forum for Imams to interact, to discuss issues and to be guided by those who are knowledgeable not just in the Qur’an, but also in contemporary matters, without rigidity,” he said.
Dr Labinjo said the conference theme on elections was timely as Nigeria approaches a new electoral season, adding that it provides an opportunity for Imams to understand how to guide their congregations responsibly during political periods.
Calls for fairness, inclusive representation for Muslims
On concerns about marginalisation of Muslims by federal, state, and local governments, Labinjo said such complaints have historical roots linked to colonial systems that influenced governance and education structures in Nigeria.
He cited past experiences where Muslim participation in public education and national life was shaped by policies that initially reflected Judeo-Christian influences, but which have gradually evolved through reforms and advocacy.
Dr Labinjo, however, urged Muslims to remain engaged in national affairs and continue to demand fair representation while promoting justice and inclusivity.
“Muslims should demand fairness and ensure they are properly represented. At the same time, we must be fair to others even as we insist on fairness to Muslims,” he said.
Igbele Chief Imam lauds LEMU conference, says lectures broadened perspective on politics
The Chief Imam of Igbele Central Mosque, Atan Ota, Imam Qasim Akinsola, who was one of the participants, commended the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) for hosting a timely and impactful Imams Conference.
Speaking after the event, Imam Akinsola said the conference was highly enlightening, particularly the lectures on the role of Imams in political participation and the need for Muslims to engage in leadership and national affairs.
He noted that the discussions were relevant ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that they helped to broaden his understanding of civic responsibility.
“The conference was highly enlightening, especially the rich insights shared by the distinguished professors on participation in politics and the need for Muslims to play active leadership roles in national affairs,” he said.
Imam Akinsola also praised the organisers for their efforts, praying for divine reward for everyone involved.
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