Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir has renewed his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, urging Muslims to back candidates who adopt the arrangement.
Jingir made the comments at an event attended by several All Progressives Congress governors, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi. A video of his remarks has since circulated widely on social media.
The cleric praised President Bola Tinubu for adopting a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election and described himself as a strong supporter of the political arrangement.
Jingir acknowledged that Christians and members of other faiths may oppose the idea but questioned whether his advocacy for Muslim-Muslim candidates should be considered wrong.
He also urged Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the 2027 elections. In his remarks, he argued that Muslim voters should support candidates who share their faith.
Jingir further linked his position to the outcome of the 2023 election, claiming that his advocacy contributed to the defeat of political opponents of the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Fani-Kayode Rejects Religious Rhetoric
The comments have generated criticism on social media, with some Nigerians describing them as divisive in a country with a large Christian and Muslim population.
Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, criticised the cleric’s remarks, describing them as provocative and warning against rhetoric that could deepen religious divisions.
Fani-Kayode stressed that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious country and argued that political choices should be based on the competence, character and ability of candidates rather than their religion.
He maintained that his own support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027 is based on the qualities and political strength of the candidates, rather than their religious identities.
Fani-Kayode also said Nigeria could eventually have a Christian-Christian presidential ticket and urged citizens to prioritise policies, leadership qualities and national unity over religious considerations.
Nigerians Debate Political Viability
The controversy has also generated mixed reactions online.
Some social media users argued that every Nigerian, regardless of religion, should have an equal opportunity to contest for the presidency, while others maintained that a Muslim-Muslim ticket could be politically viable, particularly in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The debate comes as political parties and potential candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with religion, regional representation, competence and national unity expected to remain major issues in the political conversation.
