* Outlines conditions for Imams seeking political office
* Over 400 Imams converge on Lagos to discuss politics, leadership
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has 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.
Prof. Oloyede, 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.
He made the remarks over the weekend at the annual Imams Conference organised by the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) at the Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla Multipurpose Hall, Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos.
Muslim News gathered that the conference, themed “Imam, Politics and Leadership”, attracted over 400 Imams and Islamic scholars from Lagos and other parts of the country.
The programme, chaired by Alhaji AbdulWaidi Yinka Adeola, was held at a time when Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general elections.
It featured prominent Muslim scholars and political figures, including Prof. Abdul Razzaq Abdul Majeed Alaro of the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, and Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole, President of the Lagos State Muslim Community.
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.
He insisted that the mosque must remain a place of unity and spiritual direction, not a platform for partisanship or divisive politics.
“Imams should not use the pulpit for partisanship or political campaigns. Rather, they should educate their congregations, guide them on civic matters, and ensure decisions are taken in the collective interest of the Muslim community within a pluralistic society,” he said.
He stressed that religious leaders should help worshippers understand political realities and make informed decisions without imposing personal political preferences.
The Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), an umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims, also cautioned against vote buying and the monetisation of political choices, describing them as harmful to both governance and moral values.
He, however, maintained that Imams, as citizens, retain their civic right to seek political offices, but said such ambition must be separated from religious leadership.
“An Imam who wants to contest political office must go through a political party. If he remains in office while contesting, it will polarise the mosque. It is better to resign and allow the community to remain united,” he said.
Prof Alaro urges Muslims to remain engaged in electoral process
In his submission, Prof. Alaro of the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin, called on Muslims to remain engaged in the electoral process to avoid marginalisation, saying participation in voting is consistent with Islamic principles of consultation and civic responsibility.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Shariah Position on Voting,” Professor Alaro said Imams are not only spiritual leaders but also community guides expected to provide direction on both religious and civic matters, including elections.
According to him, 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.
Read more about Prof. Alaro’s lecture HERE
Imam Lekki warns against political disengagement
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Ridwanullahi 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
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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