The controversial Imam of Peace, Mohammad Tawhidi, has demanded that the outcomes of Nigeria’s recent presidential elections be rejected by the world community. Tawhidi, who has a large social media following, called the elections “full of corruption” and encouraged Nigeria to demand a new round of voting.
“Nigeria’s elections were full of corruption. The international community should reject the results. Nigerians must demand a re-election.” — Imam of Peace
Bola Tinubu, a businessman and former governor of Lagos State, was named the winner of the 2023 presidential election, placing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in second place. Tawhidi claimed that the process had been tainted by corruption and that the result was not genuine.
Tawhidi, who serves as Vice President of the Global Imams Council, an obscure organization based in Iraq, has a history of making controversial statements. He has previously been criticized for his views on Islam and his support for the State of Israel. However, his comments on Nigeria’s elections are likely to resonate with those who have concerns about the country’s democratic credentials.
The imam’s call for the international community to reject the results of the Nigerian elections is likely to be met with skepticism by some. Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous country, has a complex political landscape, and allegations of corruption are not new. However, Tawhidi’s comments are a reminder that the country’s leaders must do more to address these concerns and ensure that the democratic process is transparent and fair.
There have been reports of irregularities during the election, including allegations of vote-buying and violence. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which oversees the polls, has denied any wrongdoing and declared the results to be valid.
The call for a rerun of the election is unlikely to be heeded by the Nigerian government, which has already congratulated Tinubu on his victory. However, Tawhidi’s intervention is a reminder that Nigeria’s elections have international significance, and the country’s leaders must take steps to ensure that the democratic process is beyond reproach.
The controversy surrounding the elections in Nigeria has drawn attention to how crucial equity and transparency are to a healthy democracy. The international community has a responsibility to keep Nigeria’s bellwethers accountable and to ensure free and fair elections in the nation. It is imperative that the nation’s bellwethers take the required actions to allay the worries expressed by Tawhidi and others because the upcoming months will be crucial in determining the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
