Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused some governors of targeting his supporters.
He alleged that a governor suspended an imam after the cleric led a prayer he attended.
Atiku spoke on Saturday, November 14, during a visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said some politicians were “witch-hunting” people who associate with him.
He praised Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for allowing him access to the state’s traditional institution.
Atiku also criticised restrictions he claimed he faced in other states.
“In many places we visit, they do not allow us to see the traditional rulers. They do not allow us to pay our respects to them; instead, they block us,” he said.
He then alleged that a governor suspended an imam over a prayer he led at a mosque Atiku attended.
“The ugly trend has reached a point where an imam at a mosque where I prayed was suspended by the governor,” he said.
Atiku Questions Governors’ Authority Over Imams
Atiku questioned governors’ involvement in religious leadership and traditional institutions.
He argued that Northern Nigeria’s traditional structure places imams under the authority of emirs, not governors.
According to him, governors leave office after their tenure, while emirs retain their traditional positions.
He also accused politicians of disregarding due process and interfering with the authority of traditional rulers.
“I swear to God this will not happen under my watch,” he declared.
Atiku recalled that traditional rulers guided scholars, clerics and other institutions even before colonial rule.
He assured the Emir that he would respect the history and traditions of the people.
“I want to assure Your Royal Highness that we have no intention of changing the history of our people. I pray Allah to give us the opportunity and the will to do what is right,” he added.
Atiku did not name the governor or the imam involved. The report also provided no independent confirmation of the alleged suspension.
