The Tijjaniyya Islamic followers under the umbrella of Tijjaniyya Youth of Nigeria says it is withdrawing its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections following what it describes as the unfair detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, who has been in custody over an alleged coup plot.
The group called on local and international human rights organizations to intervene in the matter and pressure the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) to produce the Islamic scholar in court latest by Friday, March 13, 2026, in the interest of justice and fairness.
Leader of the Tijjaniyya Youths of Nigeria, Faruk Yusuf Balarabe, told journalists in Minna, Niger State capital that the decision to withdraw support was taken by Tijjaniyya scholars, community leaders and members of Tijjaniyya brotherhood across Nigeria.
He said they have decided not to embark on protests in order to avoid being hijacked by hoodlums to cause mayhem, but will instead vote massively against President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections.
“If Sheikh Sani Khalifa is not brought to court by 13th March, 2026, the Tijjaniyya Youths of Nigeria will withdraw their political support from the current administration. We will not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 presidential election. We will not support the All Progressive Congress (APC) in future elections.
“Our future political support will go to any credible candidate from any part of Nigeria who demonstrates fairness, Justice, respect for scholars, and commitment to the welfare of Nigerian people. Despite our disappointment, we emphasize that our movement remains peaceful, lawful and democratic”, he said.
He called on all Tijjaniyya followers and concerned Nigerians to remain calm, disciplined, and law-abiding, and to wait until 2027 to exercise their rights.
He lamented that the cleric has spent over 70 days in detention, and the public has not been given clear information regarding his status or the justification for his continued detention.
“This situation has raised serious questions within the Tijjaniyya community and among many Nigerians who have regards for the rule of law”, he added.
Balarabe said Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria was a lover of peace who preached against the hunger protests in order to avoid destabilizing the country.
“During the 2023 Presidential election campaign, many political leaders sought prayers, legitimacy and support from respected Islamic scholars and spiritual leaders across the country. Today, the situation has become deeply painful for many members of Tijjaniyya community. The same scholars who promoted peace, stability and democratic participation now find themselves facing circumstances that many followers consider confusing and distressing”, he said.
He said Tijjaniyya followers participated massively in mobilising support for the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He revealed that Tijjaniyya followers across the country will engage in spiritual activities during the last ten days of Ramadan in mosques and other Islamic gatherings to invoke Allah’s intervention.
