Kukah Urges Tinubu to Reverse Sharia Law in Democracy

Bishop Matthew Kukah has called on President Bola Tinubu to legally challenge the implementation of Sharia law in twelve northern Nigerian states. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese described this legal system as unconstitutional and a significant threat to national unity. He spoke during the presentation of the 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom by the Aid to the Church in Need.

Kukah argued that embedding Sharia law within a democratic framework has fostered extremism and violence. He stated that state authorities frequently ignore crimes committed under the guise of religion. This negligence, he noted, has led to the loss of numerous lives, affecting both Christians and Muslims, through mob actions connected to blasphemy accusations.

The adoption of Sharia law, which began in the year 2000, has created a dangerous perception that Nigeria is shifting toward a theocratic state. Kukah warned that this perception empowers extremist groups who manipulate religion to justify violence. He emphasized that the situation requires immediate and decisive action from the federal government to preserve the country’s secular constitution.

A Call for Presidential Action

The bishop made a direct appeal to President Tinubu to seek a judicial review. He is urging the president to pursue a legal declaration that the adoption of Sharia law is unconstitutional. This legal step, Kukah believes, is crucial to reaffirming the secular nature of the Nigerian state and curbing the rising tide of religiously-motivated violence.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Kukah pointed to specific tragic incidents to illustrate his concerns. He cited the killings of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto and Bridget Agbahime in Kano as stark examples of how blasphemy laws are being misused. These cases, he explained, demonstrate how religion is being weaponized to incite violence rather than to promote peace and harmony among citizens.

The cleric concluded that the initial decision to adopt Sharia law opened the door for extremist elements. It created a false narrative of Islamic ascendancy within a democratic nation. Kukah’s firm position is that for the sake of national cohesion and the rule of law, the current application of Sharia law must be legally addressed and rectified.