A Bauchi-based Islamic cleric, Dahiru Abubakar, popularly known as Malam Danmalam, has publicly apologized following a widespread controversy triggered by his reported removal for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid.

The backlash began two weeks ago when reports surfaced claiming Abubakar had been relieved of his position as a chief imam at a mosque in Bauchi’s Madina Quarters. The news stirred heated debate across the country, drawing criticism from observers who accused him of using the pulpit for political patronage, while others questioned his actual religious standing in the state.

The rising tension prompted the Bauchi State Sharia Commission to intervene, summoning the cleric to account for his actions.

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During a reconciliation meeting led by Malam Muhammad Muhammad Bununu, Commander of the Hisbah under the Sharia Commission, Abubakar clarified the nature of the controversy and faulted media outlets for misrepresenting his role and the size of his congregation.

“I made the statement, but I never expected it to generate this kind of controversy,” Abubakar said. “The mosque being discussed is not more than two prayer rows; it is a small mosque. It is not a Friday mosque, but some people across the world understood it to be a large Friday mosque.”

Abubakar explained that his congregation consists of only seven worshippers and noted that the mosque functions purely for daily prayers rather than large weekly Juma’at gatherings. He expressed regret over how quickly political sensitivities escalated the matter.

“I never said it was a Friday mosque,” he added. “The matter should not have been blown out of proportion to the extent of damaging the reputation of some governments. I know how we politicians behave and how people react. When you make one statement, someone can twist it into almost ten different interpretations.”

Offering a formal apology to the public and religious leadership, Abubakar asked for forgiveness from those misled by the reportage.

“In the name of Allah, I apologize to everyone who understood it to mean that it was a Juma’at mosque. That was not what I meant,” he stated.

He further confirmed that the brief internal dispute with his seven-member congregation regarding his removal had already been amicably resolved.