A recent social media post by controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has sparked fresh political debate after he appeared to subtly endorse the idea of a Peter Obi presidency while criticising the security strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sheikh Gumi made the remarks while reacting to a report on the alleged defection of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. In his caption, the cleric wrote, “Nigerian democracy is maturing. Politicians should listen to the people’s cry and do the right thing. Time is fast approaching no one can hold Nigerians to ransom.
”The statement has been widely interpreted by political observers as a tacit show of support for Obi’s political rise and a veiled criticism of the current administration.
Analysts note that Gumi’s position represents a sharp contrast to President Tinubu’s hardline security posture, particularly the federal government’s increasing cooperation with international partners, including the United States, in tackling terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
Sheikh Gumi has, in the past, courted controversy for consistently referring to armed groups terrorising parts of northern Nigeria as “bandits” rather than terrorists, and for repeatedly advocating dialogue and negotiation instead of military action. He has also described some of the armed groups as “brothers,” a position that has drawn strong backlash from security experts, civil society groups, and victims of violence.
Critics argue that Gumi’s apparent shift toward supporting Peter Obi may be driven by dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration’s refusal to adopt negotiation as a primary strategy, opting instead for intensified military operations and international security cooperation.
Supporters of the government, however, insist that the administration’s approach is necessary to curb years of unchecked violence and restore state authority, stressing that negotiation without accountability only emboldens criminal networks.
While neither Peter Obi nor the Presidency has responded directly to Gumi’s remarks, the cleric’s comments have once again highlighted the deep divisions over how Nigeria should address insecurity and the growing political realignments ahead of future elections.
