Prince Shamsudeen Adeniyi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has defended the credentials and background of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, arguing that many Nigerians underestimate the influence and qualifications of the controversial religious leader.
Adeniyi made the remarks during an interview from 0:19 on Echoo Room, on Saturday, 13 June, 2026, where he discussed public perceptions of Gumi and the debates that have surrounded the cleric’s involvement in conversations on insecurity, banditry and national peace efforts.
Speaking during the interview, Adeniyi emphasized that Gumi’s academic and military background often goes unnoticed by critics who dismiss him as merely a religious figure.
“Do you know that Sheikh Gumi all of you see him as one marabout that’s talking. That guy has a PhD. That guy was a captain in the Nigerian Army before,” Adeniyi said.
His comments come amid renewed discussions about Gumi’s role in Nigeria’s security landscape. Over the years, the cleric has attracted both praise and criticism for his engagement with armed groups in northern Nigeria. Supporters have argued that his outreach efforts were aimed at encouraging dialogue and reducing violence, while critics have questioned whether such engagements granted undue legitimacy to criminal elements.