The General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries, Prophet Isa El-Buba, has criticized Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir over remarks attributed to him regarding Christians and support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Jingir has come under criticism after a video circulated online in which he reportedly described Christians as “infidels” while advocating for the continued adoption of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. He was also reported to have made comments suggesting that those opposed to the arrangement should leave Nigeria.
Reacting in a video shared on his X account on Monday, El-Buba said he was deeply concerned about the potential impact of such rhetoric on Nigeria’s fragile social and religious relations.
The cleric said religious leaders should use their influence to promote peaceful coexistence and help Nigerians address the challenges affecting their communities.
El-Buba also highlighted his own humanitarian efforts in northern Nigeria, saying he had supported more than 10,000 Muslims despite having no personal relationship with many of them. He said the assistance had included support for children’s education, household needs and other welfare issues.
Questioning the consequences of Christians adopting similar language against Muslims, El-Buba warned that inflammatory religious rhetoric could further divide the country.
He urged leaders in northern Nigeria to focus more attention on poverty, insecurity, banditry, drug abuse, criminality and the displacement of communities instead of making statements that could increase religious tensions.
According to El-Buba, religious leaders have a responsibility to provide messages that help communities overcome hardship and insecurity.
He also called on Muslims who disagree with inflammatory comments to speak out, arguing that silence could allow divisive rhetoric to spread unchecked.
El-Buba further criticised what he described as the response of the Kano State Government to the controversy and appealed to political and religious leaders to promote justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said, stressing that the country should not be reduced to the interests of any individual, political group or religious community.
The controversy comes amid renewed political discussions over religious representation and the possibility of another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.https://x.com/isaelbuba/status/2086572139549798830/video/1
