By Junaidu Danladi
This statement was contained in the communique released at the end of the National Conference organized by the Faculty of History and Development Studies, Bayero University Kano which took place on 7th-8th October 2025. The opening ceremony held on Tuesday 7th October 2025 was well attended by important dignitaries comprising the Ulama, academics, politicians, security agents, press and students.
According to this communique jointly signed by the Dean Faculty of History and Development Studies, Prof. Muhammad Wada and Chairman Conference Organizing Committee, Prof. M.D. Suleiman, “In Islam, politics and religion are intricately linked; therefore, Ulama have the constitutional rights to participate in politics”.
This is contrary to the misconception hold by some people that Ulama should not participate in politics. However, the conference reaffirmed that Ulama are enjoined to participate in just politics as advocated by Shaykh Usman b. Fodio.
Historically, Ulama had played and continue to play important multiple roles in Nigeria. In the current democratic dispensation, Ulama are serving as powerful stakeholders that are influencing the political process and supporting the implementation of many government policies.
The conference called for renewed commitment among the Islamic clreics to ethical leadership and inter-sectarian cooperation while engaging actively and responsibly in democratic process to promote good governance and national unity.
Junaidu Danladi can be reached via junaiduromi@gmail.com
