ormer Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticized Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir after the cleric maintained that he had no regrets over his recent comments concerning Christians and his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fani-Kayode described Jingir’s position as unfortunate, arguing that the cleric’s remarks had attracted widespread condemnation and damaged the respect normally associated with his religious position.
Jingir, who chairs the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, had reaffirmed his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket despite criticism over comments he reportedly made at a mass wedding ceremony in Kano. His remarks have generated reactions from individuals and organizations, including the National Human Rights Commission, the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
Reacting in a post on his verified X account on Thursday night, Fani-Kayode said Jingir’s refusal to express regret was disappointing. He also praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, for previously urging Christians and Muslims to avoid insulting one another.
Fani-Kayode said religious leaders should use their influence to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence rather than make statements that could deepen religious divisions.
He further claimed that he had spoken with four Northern Muslim governors, including one who attended the Kano event, and that they were unhappy with Jingir’s comments about Christianity.
The former minister stressed that being a Christian should not make any Nigerian less entitled to dignity, respect or equal citizenship.
Fani-Kayode said he would continue to exercise restraint despite Jingir’s refusal to apologise for the controversial remarks attributed to him, including references to Christians as “infidels” and claims concerning Nigeria’s religious identity.
He also rejected an alleged claim linking the Maitatsine sect to Christians, describing the assertion as false and unacceptable.
Competence, Not Religion
Fani-Kayode also sought to clarify why some Christians supported the Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, Christians who supported the arrangement did not do so because they considered Christianity inferior to Islam. Rather, he argued that their support was based on their assessment of the candidates’ competence and suitability for office.
He maintained that Christianity and Islam should be treated with equal respect and that Nigerians should be free to practise their faith without being subjected to religious discrimination.
Fani-Kayode said supporting a Muslim-Muslim ticket should not be interpreted as accepting religious domination or subordination.
He added that neither his Christian identity nor his political affiliation would make him accept being treated as inferior to anyone.
‘Remarks Have Hurt the Muslim-Muslim Ticket’
Fani-Kayode further argued that Jingir’s comments could ultimately damage the very political arrangement the cleric claims to support.
He said inflammatory religious rhetoric could alienate Nigerians and make it more difficult for supporters of the Muslim-Muslim ticket to defend the arrangement on the basis of competence, governance and political merit.
The former minister also declared that he would not associate with individuals whom he believes promote religious hatred.
He warned that religious extremism and intolerance could threaten peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims and urged Nigerians to avoid rhetoric capable of deepening existing divisions.
Fani-Kayode said many Christians were offended by Jingir’s remarks and called on influential Muslim leaders to speak against statements that could inflame religious tensions.
He specifically appealed to the Sultan of Sokoto and President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution the cleric.
