Residents of Madina Quarters in Bauchi metropolis have disputed claims by Dahiru Abubakar, popularly referred to as “Jejiwe Danmalam,” that he was faraway from a mosque the place he led prayers due to his help for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid forward of the 2027 basic elections.
Some residents mentioned Abubakar was not the substantive imam of the mosque, claiming he solely led prayers when the common imam was absent.
However, Abubakar maintained that he was faraway from the neighbourhood mosque the place he often led prayers and delivered sermons, alleging that his marketing campaign for Tinubu contributed to the choice.
A resident acquainted with the matter, Ibrahim Muhammad, described Abubakar as a controversial determine who, he alleged, had related to politicians from completely different political events.
“Everybody knows ‘Jejiwe Danmalam’ as a comedian and controversial figure. He works for almost any political party,” Muhammad mentioned.
He alleged that Abubakar had, just a few months earlier, blamed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the financial hardship within the nation earlier than declaring help for the president.
Muhammad steered that Abubakar’s altering political positions could possibly be linked to the newest controversy, which he believed is perhaps an try to draw public consideration.
He additionally insisted that Abubakar was not the substantive imam of the mosque, saying the ability already had a recognised spiritual chief.
Muhammad urged journalists and members of the general public to confirm info earlier than sharing it, significantly as political actions forward of the 2027 elections intensify.
“During this political season, everybody will look for ways to attract attention. It is therefore important for journalists to verify information before spreading it,” he mentioned.
He added that faith shouldn’t be drawn into political disagreements or used to pursue private advantages.
Another affiliate of Abubakar who lives within the neighbourhood additionally disputed the declare that he was the mosque’s substantive imam.
“He is not the substantive Imam of the mosque. He only leads prayers when the actual imam is absent. That is all,” the affiliate mentioned.
Similarly, one other resident, Adamu Garba, disputed the declare that Abubakar served because the mosque’s imam. Garba, who mentioned he lived alongside the road close to Barden Gabas School, the place the mosque is reportedly positioned, mentioned residents had heard stories in regards to the controversy.
Abubakar, nevertheless, maintained that he was faraway from the mosque the place he beforehand led prayers and sometimes delivered sermons.
He clarified that the ability was a small neighbourhood mosque, not a Jumu’ah mosque the place Friday congregational prayers are held, opposite to some descriptions of the incident.
“Yes, it is true that I was removed from the mosque where I used to lead prayers and deliver sermons from time to time. This happened as a result of my support for Bola Tinubu,” he mentioned.
Abubakar mentioned his defence of Tinubu, significantly on points regarding the nation’s safety state of affairs, had contributed to disagreements with some members of the neighborhood.
According to him, his critics thought-about his help for the president too robust.
He additionally cited a disagreement over a proposed change to the mosque’s identify as one other issue behind the dispute.
Abubakar mentioned he had steered altering the identify from “Abdurrahman Bin Zuhairu” to “Sheikh Imam Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mosque,” however the proposal was not nicely obtained.
“The second reason for my removal is that I requested that the mosque be renamed ‘Sheikh Imam Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mosque’. That suggestion was not well received,” he mentioned.
Responding to allegations that he was motivated by cash or a want for public consideration, Abubakar insisted that his help for Tinubu was real.
He mentioned he remained dedicated to supporting the president forward of the 2027 basic elections regardless of criticism from his opponents.
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