Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed took aim at the current administration on Saturday. The former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima of damaging Islam's global reputation.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Peoples Redemption Party, Baba-Ahmed broached what he called a delicate but urgent matter. He said courage was needed to discuss it openly.
"It's not easy for me to say this… but it must be said," he told the gathering. In his view, "the world of Islam has never suffered reputational damage as under Tinubu, Shettima presidency."
Baba-Ahmed pointed to Muslim-led nations that had earned respect for peace and justice. He used historical examples to support his argument.
His critique wasn't about religion trumping competence, he insisted. Instead, he demanded sincerity from leaders presenting themselves as people of faith.
"This is not about religion," he noted. "If you are presenting religion, then present genuine candidates who will govern by the dictates of their faith."
Leaders, whether Christian or Muslim, must embody what they claim to represent, Baba-Ahmed added. Authenticity and accountability should define their approach to governance.
"If you are bringing a Christian, we want a genuine Christian. If you are bringing a Muslim, we want a genuine Muslim," he said.
His comments reflect broader national debates about standards in leadership. Political representation and governance remain hot-button issues across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, a separate controversy has erupted over airport chapel funding. Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) accused the Federal Government of favouring Christianity.
The dispute centers on a N25 billion church building at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. MURIC's executive director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, questioned the decision in a statement.
"FG should explain this preferential treatment," Akintola wrote on Saturday. "Nigerian Muslims deserve better than this."
Akintola highlighted another contentious issue involving disaster relief funds. The FG gave N2 billion to Plateau State violence victims recently.
But other states affected by similar violence received nothing comparable, he argued. Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kwara had seen comparable bloodshed.
"FG gave out the sum without a corresponding donation to victims in other states," Akintola stated. He said this amounted to gross inequity.
Religious tensions now dominate mosque conversations across the country. Muslim social media platforms are buzzing with anger over the arrangements.
Akintola charged that both the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria had approved the airport chapel project. This partnership troubled him deeply.
He described the setup as "lopsided." Many believe it signals official bias toward one faith over another.
