Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the provocative comments by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Jingir, in support of the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets, warning that religious rhetoric capable of deepening divisions could threaten Nigeria’s unity.
Adeyanju, in a statement on Sunday, described Jingir’s remarks as divisive and capable of fuelling religious tension in the country.
He said Nigeria remained a plural society whose constitution recognized and protected religious diversity, urging religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace and unity.
He said, “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.
“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? We must look beyond religion and judge leadership by its impact on our lives as Nigerians.
“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.”
Adeyanju’s reaction followed remarks 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 circulating on Sunday, the cleric renewed his support for Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, while commending President Bola Tinubu for adopting the arrangement in 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 opposition to the arrangement by Christians and other religious groups but questioned whether campaigning for a Muslim-Muslim ticket amounted to wrongdoing.
“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 said.
“Have I stopped the Christians from their own slogans? Have I stopped traditionalists from a similar campaign?”
Reiterating his position, Jingir said, “But as a Muslim, I repeat it, Muslim-Muslim! No going back on this.”
