…Worshipper reportedly shouts “That’s a lie!” as congregation members stage protest walkout
…Sheikh Jalo Jalingo faces backlash after urging residents to reject PDP, APGA, ADC, NDC
Daud Olatunji
A Muslim cleric in Taraba State, Sheikh Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, has come under criticism after his comments defending President Bola Tinubu’s administration during a Friday sermon reportedly triggered a disagreement, forcing some worshippers to walk out of the mosque.
The incident, which occurred during Juma’at prayers, reportedly followed the cleric’s assertion that the Tinubu-led Federal Government was not oppressive.
His position, however, was immediately challenged by a worshipper who reportedly shouted, “That’s a lie!”, interrupting the sermon and drawing attention to the growing disagreement within the congregation.
A video of the incident, which has circulated on social media, showed some worshippers leaving the mosque as the exchange unfolded.
The development has generated reactions online, particularly amid growing political tensions and debates over the performance of the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In what appeared to be a continuation of his political position, Jalo Jalingo, in a Facebook post on Saturday, urged the people of Taraba State to exercise patience and support the ruling All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming elections.
The cleric argued that voting for the APC would provide an opportunity for the state to overcome what he described as more than two decades of oppression and injustice.
He wrote, “We have advised our respected people of Taraba State to exercise patience, wisdom and political maturity by voting for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Through this choice, In Sha Allah, we believe we can set ourselves on the path towards liberation from the oppression and injustice that our state has endured for over 20 years.”
Jalo Jalingo also cautioned residents against voting for the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, arguing that supporting the parties would amount to sustaining the alleged longstanding injustice in the state.
He similarly advised against voting for the African Democratic Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, insisting that such choices could amount to repeating political decisions made over the past two decades.
“Indeed, the most appropriate decision in this year’s election is for all our people to exercise further patience and vote for the APC,” he added, while praying for Allah’s guidance and success for Taraba State.
BACKLASH OVER POLITICAL POSITION
The cleric’s intervention has attracted criticism from some Facebook users, with several commenters questioning the propriety of his political advocacy and its implications for his religious responsibilities.
One of the commenters, Rufai Abubakar Fta, accused the cleric of promoting personal interests rather than the welfare of Taraba residents and Nigerians.
He wrote, “This is your ambition and for your personal benefit, not for the people of Taraba State or Nigerians.”
Another commenter, Malam Adamu Chilariye, expressed concern that the cleric’s perceived involvement in partisan politics could undermine public confidence in his religious teachings.
He said, “You have made people no longer listen to what Allah and His Messenger said because of your involvement in politics and personal interests.”
Similarly, Gambo Basiru Jata appeared to allude to the disagreement at the mosque, asking the cleric whether his latest post was prompted by the experience he reportedly had during the sermon.
“Ya Sheikh, this early morning, abi you dream about the challenges you faced yesterday?” he queried.
Another Facebook user, Mubaraq Dan Funtua, also questioned why the cleric made another political statement without first addressing the controversy surrounding the reported walkout.
The development has further highlighted the growing intersection of religion and partisan politics as political actors and influential figures intensify efforts to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections.
While religious leaders have the constitutional right to express their political opinions, the incident has renewed debate over the influence of partisan endorsements from the pulpit and the expectations of worshippers who look to religious institutions for spiritual guidance.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
'