The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Abubakar Atiku Isa, has argued that Muslims can support former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 election based on his leadership qualities rather than his religious affiliation.
Speaking during an interview on Naija Unfiltered on Symfoni TV, Atiku Isa said many Nigerians misunderstand Islamic teachings on leadership by focusing solely on religious identity instead of character and competence.
According to him, Peter Obi is not seeking a religious office but the presidency of Nigeria, a position that requires capacity, integrity, frugality and commitment to public service.
He maintained that Islam encourages the selection of leaders who can protect lives and property, promote welfare and ensure justice, regardless of their religious background.
“Peter Obi is not aspiring to become the Chief Imam of Abuja. He is aspiring to become the President of Nigeria. Leadership should be judged by character and capacity,” he said.
The NANS president argued that a Muslim leader who lacks integrity, competence and concern for the people should not be preferred simply because of religious identity.
He further stated that some scholars have misrepresented Islamic teachings by suggesting that Muslims cannot vote for a non-Muslim candidate under any circumstance.
According to him, leadership in Islam is rooted in accountability, humility and service to the people.
Isa said Obi possesses some of the qualities that many Nigerians associate with responsible leadership and therefore should not be dismissed solely because he is a Christian.
His comments come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where Obi is expected to play a significant role after emerging as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
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