Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised comments by Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir in support of the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets, warning that religious rhetoric capable of heightening tensions could further threaten Nigeria’s unity.
Adeyanju, in a statement issued on Sunday, described Jingir’s remarks as divisive and potentially capable of worsening religious tensions in the country.
He stressed that Nigeria remains a religiously diverse nation whose Constitution recognises and protects freedom of religion, urging religious leaders to deploy their influence towards promoting peace and national cohesion.
“I condemn the recent rhetoric of Sheikh Yahya Jingir as divisive and capable of fuelling religious tension. Nigeria is a plural society, and our Constitution recognises and protects that plurality. Religious leaders should respect Nigeria’s plurality and use their influence to promote peace and unity rather than sowing discord between Christians and Muslims,” Adeyanju said.
He questioned whether the Muslim-Muslim ticket had translated into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, asking, “Has the Muslim-Muslim ticket put food on the tables of Nigerians, solved insecurity, unemployment, inflation, or strengthened the Nigerian passport and Nigeria’s standing in the world?”
According to him, Nigerians should place greater emphasis on the performance and impact of political leadership rather than religious identity.
“Any rhetoric that pits one faith against another is one that only deepens our divisions and fuels agitations across the country. Clerics and politicians must stop provoking law-abiding citizens and learn to respect our different religions, cultures and ethnicities. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he added.
Adeyanju’s comments followed remarks made by Jingir at an event attended by some All Progressives Congress governors, including Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and his Jigawa State counterpart, Umar Namadi.
In a video circulated on Sunday, Jingir renewed his advocacy for Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, while praising President Bola Tinubu for adopting the arrangement during the 2023 presidential election.
“Special thanks to my (political) hero, Bola Tinubu, who raised the flag of this political ideology, describing it as a purely Muslim-Muslim coalition,” Jingir said.
“I am among the staunch advocates of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and I call on you to come together for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he added.
The cleric acknowledged that Christians and members of other religious groups had opposed the arrangement but questioned whether campaigning for a Muslim-Muslim ticket could be considered wrong.
“I am aware that some are embittered by this word. However, are there no Christians alike? Are there no Jews? Are there no traditionalists? Have I done anything wrong by merely campaigning for a Muslim-Muslim ticket?” he asked.
“Have I stopped the Christians from their own slogans? Have I stopped traditionalists from a similar campaign?”
Jingir subsequently reaffirmed his position, declaring, “But as a Muslim, I repeat it, Muslim-Muslim! No going back on this.”
He also challenged the argument that Nigeria’s democratic system must accommodate citizens from different religious backgrounds.
“Some would say, ‘It’s a democracy, and there are people who are not Muslims.’ Are you their spokesperson?” he asked.
The cleric further urged his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the election, saying, “Let’s show the infidels their limit, who claim they are more populous than us in Nigeria. They are lying!”
The APC’s decision to field Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, alongside Kashim Shettima, a Muslim from the North-East, in the 2023 presidential election triggered significant controversy.
Christian organisations and some political actors criticised the arrangement, arguing that a Muslim-Muslim ticket failed to adequately reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.
The debate has remained prominent as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify. While supporters argue that competence, political ideology and voters’ choices should outweigh religious considerations, opponents maintain that Nigeria’s religious diversity makes sensitivity and balance in political representation essential.
