Controversy trails alleged removal of Bauchi imam over support for Tinubu

Controversy has trailed the alleged removal of Dahiru Abubakar, popularly known as “Jejiwe Danmalam,” from a neighbourhood mosque in Bauchi over his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

While Abubakar insisted that he was removed for backing the President, some residents of Madina Quarters disputed his account, saying he was not the mosque’s substantive imam and only occasionally led prayers.

They described him as a comedian and content creator, alleging that the controversy was an attempt to attract political attention and financial support. Abubakar denied the allegation, maintaining that his support for Tinubu was genuine.

Speaking with our correspondent, a resident familiar with the matter, Ibrahim Muhammad, said the mosque had a recognised imam and that Abubakar’s occasional role did not make him its substantive religious leader.

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

He further alleged that Abubakar had previously criticised Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress over economic hardship before recently declaring support for the President.

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Muhammad urged journalists to verify claims before publishing them, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general 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.

Another resident, who identified himself as an associate of Abubakar, also said he only led prayers when the regular imam was unavailable.

“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, Adamu Garba, a resident living near Barden Gabas School, where the mosque is located, disputed claims that Abubakar was its imam.

Responding, Abubakar maintained that he had been removed from his role at the mosque, where he occasionally led prayers and delivered sermons.

He clarified that it was a small neighbourhood mosque, rather than a Jumu’ah mosque where Friday congregational prayers are held.

“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 the President, particularly on security issues, had caused disagreements with some members of the community.

He also identified his proposal to rename the mosque after Tinubu as another source of the dispute.

According to him, he suggested changing its name from “Abdurrahman Bin Zuhairu” to “Sheikh Imam Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mosque.”

“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.

Abubakar rejected claims that he was seeking money or publicity, insisting that he remained committed to supporting Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.