By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Alsunnah Islamic Redemption Network has criticised comments attributed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political associates concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spiritual visit to the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, urging political leaders to respect the sanctity of Islamic pilgrimage and avoid politicising religious matters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ustaz Yusuf Abdulaziz, the organisation expressed concern over the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s Umrah pilgrimage, describing it as an unfortunate development capable of deepening political and religious divisions.

It recalled that presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had announced the President’s visit to Saudi Arabia to offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security and prosperity. The network said the announcement attracted criticism from some political figures, including Phrank Shaibu, an associate of Atiku Abubakar, who reportedly demanded daily photographs and videos of the President’s activities during the pilgrimage. It maintained that the Presidency had provided updates on Tinubu’s spiritual visit but expressed concern over subsequent comments allegedly questioning the significance of the Kaaba.

According to the organisation, religious worship should not become a battleground for political rivalry, personal ambition or partisan competition. It described the comments attributed to Atiku’s camp as insensitive to the religious convictions of Muslims and warned that political spokespersons must exercise restraint when addressing matters of faith in a religiously diverse country.

The network also referenced previous controversies involving Atiku’s political positions on sensitive religious matters, including the Deborah incident in Sokoto, arguing that questions about religious inclusion and consistency deserved objective examination. It maintained that access to the Holy Kaaba should not be reduced to a political contest or a means of measuring the religious standing of individuals.It further recalled the spiritual journeys of prominent Muslim leaders, including the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, insisting that religious worship should be respected regardless of the political identity or ethnic background of the individual involved.

The organisation also raised concerns about alleged political developments involving a minority Muslim governorship candidate in Adamawa State, calling for fairness and consistency in discussions about religious and ethnic representation.

The statement mentioned Dino Melaye, Phrank Shaibu and Timi Frank in its criticism of political communication on sensitive religious issues, urging political leaders to ensure that their associates demonstrate maturity and responsibility. However, it stressed that public figures should be held accountable through democratic and legal processes rather than personal insults or unsubstantiated allegations.

The Alsunnah Islamic Redemption Network appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliations, to approach the controversy with wisdom and restraint. It urged the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sharia Council of Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and other Islamic organisations to examine the comments attributed to Atiku’s political camp and provide appropriate clarification.

The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as insufficient public engagement by some Muslim leaders and religious bodies, calling for principled leadership and constructive dialogue. It cautioned against selective attention to religious controversies and urged Islamic organisations to protect the sanctity of Islamic values while promoting interfaith understanding and national unity.

The statement concluded that the spiritual significance of the Kaaba and Islamic pilgrimage should transcend political competition and personal ambitions. It urged political leaders and their spokespersons to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, respect religious institutions and ensure that the controversy does not further undermine peaceful coexistence as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.