Jingir recently advocated a Muslim–Muslim ticket in the 2027 presidential election and described Christians as “infidels”.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has doubled down on his advocacy of a Muslim–Muslim ticket and his description of Christians as “infidels”.
The cleric stood his ground on the controversial topic during a recent interview with the BBC.
Speaking during a recent mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, Jingir declared his support for the Muslim–Muslim arrangement and urged Muslims to vote in a manner that would demonstrate their numerical strength in the country.
He further stated that, as a Muslim preacher, he had the right to advocate a political arrangement consistent with his religious convictions.
He also challenged claims that Christians or other religious groups constituted a larger proportion of Nigeria’s population than Muslims.
Jingir’s remarks led to a strong backlash, with commentators describing them as divisive statements that could breed religious intolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung condemned the remarks on his Facebook page, stating that Nigeria is not a battleground for religious supremacy, Arise News anchor Reuben Abati and his colleague, Ayo Mario-Ese, described the speech as hateful and worthy of condemnation from well-meaning Nigerians.
Reacting to the criticism that trailed his position, Jingir insisted he had no regrets over his recent declaration of support for a Muslim–Muslim presidential ticket.
He added that his position was neither politically motivated nor intended as a campaign for President Bola Tinubu, but was based on what he described as his duty as a Muslim.
According to the Islamic cleric, he will continue to support and encourage Muslims to back a Muslim–Muslim ticket, regardless of the criticism his stance might attract.
Reiterating his position, he said: “I have no regrets. I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim–Muslim ticket. What they say will not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands.”
