A Friday sermon by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, has triggered controversy in Jalingo, Taraba State, after a worshipper openly challenged his defence of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with several congregants reportedly walking out of the mosque.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 30, during Juma’at prayers, when Jalo reportedly told worshippers that the Tinubu-led Federal Government was not oppressive.

His remarks immediately drew an objection from a worshipper, who reportedly shouted, “That’s a lie!”

A video of the incident circulating on social media showed worshippers leaving the mosque as the disagreement unfolded.

Reports indicated that the walkout followed the cleric’s comments in support of the President and his administration, although the exact number of worshippers who left could not be independently established.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 31, Jalo urged residents of Taraba State to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections, describing the party as the vehicle through which the state could overcome decades of oppression and injustice.

He called on residents to exercise patience, wisdom and political maturity in making their electoral choices.

“We have advised our respected people of Taraba State to exercise patience, wisdom and political maturity by voting for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Through this choice, In Sha Allah, we believe we can set ourselves on the path towards liberation from the oppression and injustice that our state has endured for over 20 years,” he wrote.

The cleric also criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), arguing that voting for either party would sustain what he described as longstanding injustice in the state.

He further cautioned residents against supporting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that the APC offered the most appropriate political option.

“Indeed, the most appropriate decision in this year’s election is for all our people to exercise further patience and vote for the APC,” he added.

Jalo’s political position has attracted criticism from some social media users, who questioned his involvement in partisan politics and the appropriateness of using a religious platform to express support for a political party.

A Facebook user, Rufai Abubakar Fta, questioned whether the cleric’s position was motivated by the interests of Taraba residents or personal considerations.

Another commenter, Malam Adamu Chilariye, accused him of allowing political interests to affect public confidence in his religious teachings.

Other users also referred to the mosque incident, questioning his decision to make another political statement without addressing the reported confrontation.

The development has renewed discussions about the intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria, particularly the role of religious leaders in influencing political choices as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

As of the time of filing this report, no independently verified statement from the mosque authorities addressing the incident had emerged.