Sheikh Jingir's Sermon on Muslim-Muslim Presidency Sparks Outrage

Sheikh Yahya Jingir, a prominent Islamic cleric, delivered a controversial sermon regarding the Muslim-Muslim presidency, asserting that Muslims are the majority in Nigeria. His remarks were made at an event in Kano attended by All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, including Abba Yusuf of Kano and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.

Jingir expressed gratitude to Bola Tinubu for promoting a Muslim-Muslim coalition and claimed that the electoral defeat of opponents was due to his stance on the issue. He encouraged Muslims to support Muslim-Muslim candidates, stating, “Therefore, my vote is for a Muslim-Muslim candidate!

What about you, the Muslim umma?” The comments have drawn significant criticism, with Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, labeling them as “highly provocative” and warning against extremist rhetoric. He emphasized that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious state, expressing concern over the lack of condemnation from the Presidency regarding Jingir's statements, which could incite religious tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.