Bauchi Residents Dispute Claim Man Was Removed As Mosque Imam Over Tinubu Support

Residents of Madina Quarters in Bauchi metropolis have disputed claims by Dahiru Abubakar, popularly known as “Jejiwe Danmalam,” that he was removed from a mosque where he led prayers because of his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Some residents said Abubakar was not the substantive imam of the mosque, claiming he only led prayers when the regular imam was absent.

However, Abubakar maintained that he was removed from the neighbourhood mosque where he occasionally led prayers and delivered sermons, alleging that his campaign for Tinubu contributed to the decision.

A resident familiar with the matter, Ibrahim Muhammad, described Abubakar as a controversial figure who, he alleged, had associated with politicians from different political parties.

“Everybody knows ‘Jejiwe Danmalam’ as a comedian and controversial figure. He works for almost any political party,” Muhammad said.

He alleged that Abubakar had, a few months earlier, blamed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the economic hardship in the country before declaring support for the president.

Muhammad suggested that Abubakar’s changing political positions could be linked to the latest controversy, which he believed might be an attempt to attract public attention.

He also insisted that Abubakar was not the substantive imam of the mosque, saying the facility already had a recognised religious leader.

Muhammad urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before sharing it, particularly as political activities ahead 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 said.

He added that religion should not be drawn into political disagreements or used to pursue personal benefits.

Another associate of Abubakar who lives in the neighbourhood also disputed the claim 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 associate said.

Similarly, another resident, Adamu Garba, disputed the claim that Abubakar served as the mosque’s imam. Garba, who said he lived along the street near Barden Gabas School, where the mosque is reportedly located, said residents had heard reports about the controversy.

Abubakar, however, maintained that he was removed from the mosque where he previously led prayers and occasionally delivered sermons.

He clarified that the facility was a small neighbourhood mosque, not a Jumu’ah mosque where Friday congregational prayers are held, contrary 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 said.

Abubakar said his defence of Tinubu, particularly on issues concerning the country’s security situation, had contributed to disagreements with some members of the community.

According to him, his critics considered his support for the president too strong.

He also cited a disagreement over a proposed change to the mosque’s name as another factor behind the dispute.

Abubakar said he had suggested changing the name from “Abdurrahman Bin Zuhairu” to “Sheikh Imam Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mosque,” but the proposal was not well received.

“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 said.

Responding to allegations that he was motivated by money or a desire for public attention, Abubakar insisted that his support for Tinubu was genuine.

He said he remained committed to supporting the president ahead of the 2027 general elections despite criticism from his opponents.