Islamic Cleric Urges Kwara Governor To End "Political Victimization" Of Bukola Saraki For Northern Unity

Sheikh Gwani Yusuf calls on Kwara’s governor to end "political witch-hunts" against Bukola Saraki to preserve Northern unity ahead of the 2027 polls.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 9:31 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

Cleric Labels Legal Actions As Political Harassment

Sheikh Gwani Yusuf Hamza Yusuf, the national leader of the Council of Quranic Reciters of Nigeria, issued a strong appeal on Saturday for the Kwara State government to halt its persistent pressure on Bukola Saraki. The cleric's statement comes in response to the recent decision to arraign the former Senate President and his associates before the Kwara State High Court on June 4 regarding the 2018 Offa Robbery incident. Sheikh Yusuf argued that these maneuvers are not genuine attempts at accountability but are instead "victimization and harassment" of a significant political figure.

Distraction From Regional Security And Economic Crisis

The cleric emphasized that the ongoing political feud in Kwara is serving as a major distraction at a time when Northern Nigeria is grappling with severe economic and security challenges. He noted that the energies of state authorities should be directed toward governance and the welfare of citizens rather than personal political vendettas. "The governor must rise above personal politics and govern for all Kwarans," the Sheikh stated, reminding leadership that political power is transient.

Strategic Implications For 2027 General Elections

Sheikh Yusuf highlighted the broader regional consequences of the rift, suggesting that it undermines the North’s collective interests. He warned that the region cannot expect respect for its political strength from other parts of the country if it is seen "cannibalizing" its own leaders. According to the cleric, internal unity is a necessary strategy to maintain the North's influence as the 2027 election cycle approaches, urging leaders to build bridges rather than burn them.