An Islamic cleric, Sunusi Khalil, has alleged the existence of a ₦500 billion plan aimed at mobilising religious clerics and traditional rulers for political campaigns ahead of future political activities.
The cleric made the claim during a public address, stating that he was personally approached to participate in the initiative but declined.
Allegation of political mobilisation
According to him, the proposed plan seeks to use influential religious and traditional leaders to shape public opinion in favour of certain political interests.
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“They have budgeted ₦500 billion to mobilise Mallams and traditional rulers so that they can campaign for them,” he said.
He added that those behind the initiative invited him to join the project but that he rejected the offer.
Cleric says he rejected the offer
Khalil said he warned those who approached him not to bring such proposals to him again.
“They invited me to join the project but I rejected the offer with a warning to never bring something like this to me,” he said.
Concerns over religion and politics
The allegation has raised concerns about the potential use of religious and traditional institutions in political mobilisation, particularly given the influence of clerics and traditional leaders in many communities across Nigeria.
Such claims, if verified, could intensify debates about the role of religious and traditional authorities in Nigeria’s political process.
