Under fire Sheikh Jingir defends controversial statements on Muslim-Muslim ticket, Christians

Islamic cleric and Izala Scholars Council leader Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has declared he has no regrets over his public support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, insisting his position is rooted in religious conviction rather than political campaigning for President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in an interview with BBC on Wednesday, Jingir said: “I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say would not stop me.”

According to Vanguard, the cleric, who made the declaration during Kano State’s mass wedding for 1,500 couples, urged Muslims to vote in a way that demonstrates their numerical strength ahead of 2027. He also challenged claims that Christians outnumber Muslims in Nigeria.

Analysts warned the remarks could boost Muslim voter enthusiasm for Tinubu while alienating non-Muslim supporters the president needs for re-election.