The controversy over the dismissal of KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, known as Gus Yahya, from his role as PBNU General Chairman by the Syuriah body has ignited debates on authority and leadership. Gus Yahya refuses to resign and proposes resolution via an accelerated Muktamar meeting if conditions are met. An opinion piece supports the Syuriah's firmness based on PBNU's bylaws and Islamic jurisprudence principles.
The controversy surrounding the dismissal of KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, or Gus Yahya, from his position as General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board (PBNU) has sparked public discussions and debates on organizational authority. According to an opinion piece by KH Afifuddin Muhajir, Deputy Rais Aam of PBNU for 2022–2027, the Syuriah body holds primary authority under PBNU's Articles of Association/By-laws (AD/ART). Rais Aam KH Miftachul Akhyar is convinced of a serious violation by Gus Yahya that tarnishes NU's reputation, supported by definitive sharia evidence. The Daily Syuriah Meeting's decision to request Gus Yahya's resignation or forced removal aims to prevent greater harm, aligned with fiqh principles such as 'al-yaqin la yuzal bi al-syakk' (certainty is not removed by doubt) and 'ta'khir al-bayan 'an waqt al-hajah la yajuz' (delaying clarification when needed is not permissible).
In statements on December 12, 2025, at PBNU headquarters in Jakarta, Gus Yahya affirmed no issue with accelerating the Muktamar if led jointly by the Rais Aam and General Chairman. 'Muktamar mau cepat, mau lambat, tidak ada masalah, tapi syarat harus dipenuhi,' he said, translating to 'The Muktamar can be fast or slow, no problem, but conditions must be met.' He acknowledged numerous internal PBNU issues and called for collective resolution through Muktamar. 'Ada banyak masalah, kita akui ada banyak masalah. Mari kita selesaikan masalah-masalah (bersama),' he stated, meaning 'There are many problems, we admit there are many problems. Let's solve the problems together.' Gus Yahya rejects resignation, asserting the position can only be changed via Muktamar per AD/ART, and the Syuriah decision is legally void as beyond its authority. On December 3, 2025, he vowed to pursue legal action if consultation fails to preserve organizational unity.
This debate highlights ethics in NU's communal activities, with Syuriah as ulil amri per Quran (An-Nisa: 59). The Syuriah's swift action is appreciated to avoid stagnation in organizational activities.
