Sheikh Jingir Sparks Backlash Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket Ahead of 2027

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has come under criticism after calling for the continued dominance of the Muslim-Muslim political ticket ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Chairman of the Council of Scholars of the Izala Movement worldwide, made the controversial remarks during a mass wedding ceremony and political gathering organised by the Kano State Government.

The cleric used the occasion to express support for the political arrangement between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, urging its continuation ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a viral video from the event, Jingir, speaking in Hausa, argued that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election demonstrated that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria.

He reportedly maintained that the Muslim-Muslim ticket should continue to succeed, linking the political arrangement to what he described as the numerical strength of Muslims in the country.

Jingir also reportedly described Nigeria as a “Muslim country” and suggested that people who disagree with the arrangement should leave.

Christian Leaders Condemn Remarks

The comments have generated strong reactions from Christian leaders and political figures, who accused the cleric of promoting religious division in Nigeria.

Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, condemned the remarks, saying they reflected concerns about religious discrimination and exclusion that northern Christians have raised over the years.

Hayab’s reaction comes amid continuing debates over religious representation and political inclusion in northern Nigeria and across the country.

Fani-Kayode Rejects Jingir’s Claim

Former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, also rejected Jingir’s comments.

Fani-Kayode described the remarks as provocative, untrue and dangerous, while stressing that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious country.

He also called on the Islamic scholar to apologise to the Christian community over the comments.

Dalung: Nigeria Is Not a “Muslim Trophy”

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, equally criticised Jingir’s position.

Dalung argued that Nigeria should not be viewed as a “Muslim trophy,” stressing that leadership should be evaluated based on its performance in areas such as security, economic development, infrastructure and good governance.

His comments further fuelled the debate over whether religion should play a central role in determining Nigeria’s political leadership.

2027 Politics and the Religious Question

The controversy comes as political activities and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the Tinubu-Shettima campaign in 2023 remains one of the most debated issues in Nigeria’s recent political history, with supporters arguing that competence should take precedence over religious considerations, while critics have raised concerns about religious balance and representation.

As political parties and interest groups begin positioning themselves for 2027, the question of religious inclusion is expected to remain a major issue in Nigeria’s political discourse.

The latest comments by Sheikh Jingir have therefore added fresh fuel to an already sensitive national conversation about religion, politics and the future direction of Nigeria.