By Abdul-Mumin AbdulQuadir
* At TMC Lagos public lecture on ethical political participation
Professor of Actuarial Science at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Tajudeen Yusuf, has called on Nigerian Muslims to reject political apathy and become actively involved in the country’s political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described political participation as an act of worship through which believers can promote justice, safeguard public welfare and seek the pleasure of Allah.
The university don made the call on Sunday, June 28, 2026, while speaking at the State Public Lecture organised by the Lagos State chapter of The Muslim Congress (TMC) at the Ojokoro Housing Estate Playing Ground in Lagos.
The lecture, themed “Muslim Participation in Politics: Ethics, Leadership Competence and the Quest for Credible Governance,” brought together members of the Congress and other Muslims from across Lagos and beyond.
Prof. Yusuf described political apathy as one of the major causes of poor governance, warning that politicians often exploit citizens’ indifference to make decisions without accountability.
“It is imperative that we get fully involved in politics because politicians exploit our apathy to abuse us. They take advantage of our silence and make decisions that affect us in our absence,” he said.
According to him, Muslims should view political participation as an act of worship rather than a pursuit of personal interests.
“As Muslims, we should know that our participation is worship because we only go there to give value, promote the welfare of the people, ensure their safety and attain the pleasure of Allah,” he said.
He explained that leadership is a sacred trust in Islam and should be exercised with sincerity, justice and accountability.
“For conscious Muslims, politics is not business as usual. It is service to humanity. We are subservient to our Lord and know that leadership is a trust that should not be handled with levity. In that light, apathy is detrimental. So, we have to rise to the responsibility,” he added.
Prof. Yusuf also dismissed the notion that politics is too dirty for righteous people, arguing that such a mindset only leaves the political space in the hands of those with selfish interests.
“You hear people saying politics is dirty. The question is: ‘Do people stay away from money because it is dirty?’ No. So, that is not enough reason to boycott the affairs of society. We cannot shy away from what we have to do. Our involvement is a testament,” he said.
He urged Muslims to remain active in their communities, trade unions, professional bodies and other spheres of public life, while advising Nigerians to elect leaders based on competence, integrity, pedigree and proven track record rather than sentiment.
Hon. Obasa urges Nigerians to obtain PVCs, shun political apathy
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. AbdulGaniu Vinod Obasa, called on Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in elections.
“Voting is our constitutional right. It is the power that you and I have and we must use it rightly. Everyone should ensure they obtain their PVCs, while those who need to update theirs should also do so. We should not give excuses at all,” he said.
Hon. Obasa commended TMC for organising the lecture, saying it was time to encourage greater political participation among Muslims and other citizens.
“It is high time we started encouraging more participation from the people. Now that we are having this conversation, I believe it is a welcome idea. The Muslim community should embrace more of it. Leaders should also engage people across the board to promote better understanding and encourage meaningful participation,” he said.
TMC Wali urges Muslims to play active role in nation building
Earlier in his welcome address, the Wali of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Lagos State, Mallam Tajudeen Yusuf Olusesi, said the public lecture was organised to encourage Muslims to reflect on their civic responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s political and democratic development.
He noted that politics plays a critical role in shaping education, security, economic opportunities, social welfare, religious freedom and the overall wellbeing of citizens, stressing that Muslims could not afford to remain indifferent to issues of governance.
According to him, Islam is a comprehensive way of life that provides guidance for both personal conduct and public affairs, adding that responsible leadership, accountability and justice should define Muslim participation in politics.
Quoting Qur’an 4:58, Mall. Olusesi said Allah commands believers to render trusts to those entitled to them and to judge with justice, describing the verse as a reminder that public leadership is a sacred trust that must be exercised with fairness and integrity.
He urged Muslims to engage constructively in the nation’s political process within the framework of the law, ethical principles and Islamic values.
The TMC Lagos Wali further observed that Nigeria’s current challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, youth unemployment, corruption and social divisions, require Muslims to participate actively in shaping public policy and leadership.
According to him, such participation should be guided by integrity, competence, consultation (Shura), respect for diversity and an unwavering commitment to the common good.
He concluded by urging participants to listen attentively to the lecture, engage in constructive discussions and reflect deeply on the lessons shared.
Participants Benefit from Free Medical Services
Muslim News gathered that, beyond the lecture, participants also benefited from a comprehensive free medical outreach organised as part of the organisers’ commitment to promoting community health and wellbeing.
The outreach featured free chest X-rays, urine analysis, Hepatitis B screening, random blood sugar tests, body mass index (BMI) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) checks, temperature checks, medical consultations, free medications, as well as registration for the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
They described the lecture as timely, enlightening and impactful, saying it deepened their understanding of the relationship between Islam and politics while encouraging responsible civic engagement.
The Mudeer of Markaz Ulum, Abule Egba, Dr. Tunde Abass Abdul Azeez, said one of the most striking aspects of Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf’s lecture was his admonition that citizens should refrain from burdening politicians with personal requests if they expect to hold them accountable in office.
“I’m glad I was part of this. Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf did justice to the topic. The fact that he said we should not bother politicians with our personal burdens because we won’t be able to hold them accountable afterwards particularly made me happy. More people need to hear this message,” he said.
Similarly, Engr. Abdur Rasheed Anifowoshe described the programme as an eye opener, saying it dispelled widespread misconceptions about the relationship between Islam and politics.
According to him, the lecture demonstrated that political participation is consistent with Islamic teachings when guided by ethics, justice and service to humanity.
“The programme is an eye opener. It has cleared some of the misconceptions about Islam and politics. Whoever paid rapt attention will know by now that Islam and politics are inseparable. The programme fulfilled its purpose satisfactorily,” he said.
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