Kaduna Cleric Invokes Explosive Prayer in Peter Obi’s Presence, Says May Unfit Leaders Die

• Sheikh Alkali Zaria stirred reactions with a viral prayer in Peter Obi’s presence, invoking that may unfit leaders die before the election
• The cleric also emphasised competence above faith, praying for whoever is good for Nigeria, whether Christian or Muslim to win
• The moment, captured during Peter Obi’s Kaduna visit, has since sparked mixed reactions, but Obi is yet to comment on the prayer

A viral video capturing a powerful supplication by renowned Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Alkali Salihu Zaria, has stirred mixed reactions after he delivered a fiery prayer in the presence of former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

During an event in Kaduna on Monday, Sheikh Zaria made a bold spiritual declaration concerning Nigeria’s leadership.

His prayer came during Peter Obi’s visit to Kaduna, where the former Anambra governor engaged with educational institutions as part of his nationwide development advocacy.

Sheik Alkali Zaria prayed that unworthy candidates be stopped from attaining power.

He swore:

“Whoever will not be good for Nigeria if he wins the election, may he die before the election.”

“Whoever is likely going to be a disaster to Nigeria, under whose watch banditry, kidnapping, and corruption will continue, may he die before the elections,” the cleric proclaimed.

He further emphasized that competence, not religion, should determine Nigeria’s leaders.

“Whoever may be good for Nigeria, regardless of religion whether Christian or Muslim, may he win the election.”

The Sheikh also referenced the Holy Quran, noting that God intentionally created diversity, implying that Nigeria’s unity should transcend religious differences.

Mixed reactions trail prayer

The video has since sparked intense debate, with many Nigerians applauding the cleric’s stance against incompetent leadership.

“This is the prayer of the oppressed. We are tired of leaders who worsen our suffering. I like that Sheik Alkali has the liver to make such a prayer in front of our politicians,” said Ahmard Sani Zaria.

Aisha Musa Adam, expressed concern over Obi’s listening to the transcript of the prayer.

“My dear is I don’t want Peter Obi to listen to this prayer or gets a transcript of it. He will not feel bad, even though the cleric is sincere with his prayer.”

Some critics like Mr. Ishaq Adam, however, questioned the appropriateness of such a prayer in a political setting.

“Even if he is going to do that prayer, not in the presence of Peter Obi, especially that he doesn’t understand the language, and the prayer and the intention of the prayer could easily be misinterpreted.”

Despite the divide, Mr. Adam explained that the moment has again amplified discussions on Nigeria’s leadership crisis ahead of future elections.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who was seen listening attentively in the video, has not yet publicly commented on the prayer.

Maduka: Peter Obi wouldn't have done better than Tinubu

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that prominent businessman and founder of Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka, had asserted that Peter Obi would not have pursued policies significantly different from those of the current administration had he won the presidential election.

Speaking on the Mic On Podcast with Okinbaloye via YouTube on Saturday, Maduka expressed confidence that Nigeria is on the right track, despite ongoing economic challenges.

Source: Legit.ng