Sheikh Jingir Criticized for Political Endorsement in Kano

During a mass wedding ceremony organized by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir urged Muslims to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election. His comments have drawn significant backlash, with many Nigerians accusing him of using his religious influence to promote a political agenda.

Jingir stated, “My candidate is Bola Ahmad Bola Tinubu,” and defended the Muslim-Muslim ticket, asserting that he has the right to support it. Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, criticized Jingir’s remarks as un-Islamic and damaging to the Muslim community, stating that he is weaponizing religion for political purposes.

Barrister Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Sport, expressed concern that the Muslim-Muslim ticket does not address pressing issues like food security and job creation. Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, described Jingir’s comments as “highly provocative” and warned against extremist rhetoric.