12/02/2026
**“Why Not Sheikh or Imam?”
Islamic Scholars, Education, and Political Participation in Nigeria**
In Nigeria, democracy gives every qualified citizen the right to contest for political office, regardless of religion. Yet, in practice, a clear imbalance exists. Pastors and leaders of other religious or traditional groups openly contest and win elections, while Islamic scholars (Sheikhs or Imams) are often criticized, accused, or discouraged when they show political ambition.
This raises serious questions:
Are Islamic scholars not Nigerians?
Are they not educated?
Do they not have followers?
Why the double standard?
1. Islamic Scholars Are Nigerians by Right
Islamic scholars are full citizens of Nigeria.
They:
Pay taxes
Obey the law
Contribute to peace, education, and moral guidance
Participate in community development
There is no constitutional provision that excludes an Imam or Sheikh from contesting elections. So questioning their right is unfair and unconstitutional.
2. Education: A Wrong Assumption
Many people assume Islamic scholars are not educated, which is incorrect.
Today, many Imams and Sheikhs have:
University degrees
Diplomas
Professional certificates
Training in education, law, economics, health, and public administration
Some studied both:
Islamic education (Qur’an, Fiqh, Hadith)
Western education (BSc, MSc, PGD, NCE, etc.)
If pastors with degrees are considered qualified, why deny the same recognition to Islamic scholars with similar or higher qualifications?
3. Political Precedents from Other Religions
Nigeria already accepts religious leaders in politics:
Jolly Nyame – Pastor, Governor of Taraba State (1999–2007)
Hyacinth Iormem Alia – Catholic Priest, Governor of Benue State (2023)
Umo Bassey Eno – Pastor, Governor of Akwa Ibom State (2023)
They were not rejected because of their religion.
Instead, they were praised as:
Moral leaders
Disciplined
People-oriented
So why is the same courtesy not extended to Imams and Sheikhs?
4. Influence and Followers
