{
  "id": 20032851,
  "title": "Imam was suspended for leading us in prayer – Atiku alleges",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/imam-was-suspended-for-leading-us-in-prayer-atiku-alleges",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T18:34:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/14/imam-was-suspended-for-leading-us-in-prayer-atiku-alleges/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused certain politicians, notably governors, of targeting individuals due to their association with him. Speaking on Saturday during a visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Atiku alleged that a mosque imam was suspended after participating in a congregational prayer he attended. The incident occurred during Atiku's campaign activities in the state, where he visited the Emir's palace to show respect for traditional institutions, which he deemed crucial to the people's heritage. Atiku expressed concern over politicians who leave public office and return to traditional rulers to receive titles, emphasizing the enduring significance of traditional institutions. He noted that, regardless of their political positions, once these individuals conclude their tenure, they return to the palace to receive a traditional title. Atiku praised Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for permitting him to meet with traditional rulers, contrasting this with the lack of similar access in other states. He alleged that the situation had escalated to the extent that an imam was suspended for leading a prayer at a mosque he attended. Atiku argued that imams were traditionally answerable to emirs rather than state governors, highlighting that governors vacate their positions post-tenure while traditional rulers typically retain their roles. He further accused some politicians of interfering with the responsibilities of traditional institutions and disregarding established protocols. Atiku vowed that such actions would not occur under his administration and expressed his intention to uphold the truth. He assured the Emir of Bauchi that he would not alter the state's history and prayed for the opportunity to rectify perceived injustices.",
  "summary": "Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused some politicians, particularly governors, of targeting people because of their association with him. Atiku, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, claimed that a mosque imam was suspended after leading a congregational prayer he attended. He made the allegation on Saturday during a visit to the Emir of Bauchi, […] Imam was…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Atiku: An Imam was suspended after leading us in prayer",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/atiku-an-imam-was-suspended-after-leading-us-in-prayer",
        "published": "2026-11-14T18:03:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}