How did Usman dan Fodio become imam of the community at Gudu?

Following a period of increasing tension with the ruling dynasty of Gobir, Usman dan Fodio carried out a hijrah (migration) to Gudu in February 1804 to escape threats against his community.1

Despite his own apparent reluctance to take on the role, he was elected imam (leader) by his followers upon their arrival at Gudu. Through this act, his supporters formally pledged their loyalty to him as amīr al-muʾminīn ("commander of the faithful"), which served as the foundational step in establishing the new caliphate and preparing for the jihad.12