Jingir's Muslim-Ticket Comments Trigger Backlash From Political, Religious Leaders

A statement by Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahya Jingir, a prominent Islamic cleric and National Chairman of JIBWIS, supporting Muslim-Muslim political tickets and making remarks perceived as inflammatory toward Christians, has sparked sharp reactions across Nigeria's political and religious establishment. Multiple political figures and clergy have publicly distanced themselves from the comments, characterizing them as divisive rhetoric that could worsen religious tensions in the country.

Uche Nwosu, a former Imo State governorship candidate, issued a statement condemning Jingir's language as capable of inflaming religious division. The Obidient Movement's National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko—himself a Muslim from Kano—explicitly rejected association with the cleric's position, emphasizing instead principles of peaceful coexistence and equal citizenship regardless of faith.

Vice presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rev Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Northern Christian Association, also denounced the remarks, with Kwankwaso stating that Kano residents did not endorse such divisive messaging. In response, Jingir defended his stance on Muslim-Muslim tickets as a longstanding personal conviction unrelated to the current administration under President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The cleric framed his position around what he characterized as historical discrimination against Muslims in certain regions, particularly Plateau State, and questioned why Christians who advocate for their own communities should be treated differently than Muslims advocating for theirs. The controversy reflects ongoing tensions within Nigeria's political landscape regarding religious representation in electoral coalitions.

Jingir's remarks have not been directly addressed by the federal government or the ruling All Progressives Congress, though the cleric stated his comments were made while speaking at an event attended by some APC governors. The backlash from figures across different political movements suggests the issue has transcended party lines, with criticism focused primarily on the tone and potential consequences of the rhetoric rather than the underlying policy debate.