By Queen Madaki
Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has defended his recent support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying he has no regret despite the criticism generated by his position.
Jingir stated this in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored on Wednesday, explaining that his position was not politically motivated or intended to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the cleric, his position is based on his responsibility and convictions as a Muslim, adding that he would continue to encourage Muslims to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say would not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands,” he alleged.
Jingir Declares Support for Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Jingir had earlier declared his support for the Muslim-Muslim arrangement during a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples.
At the event, the cleric urged Muslims to vote in a manner that, according to him, would demonstrate their numerical strength in the country.
He said he decided to support the arrangement after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “raised the flag” of the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Jingir also maintained that, as a Muslim preacher, he had the right to advocate a political arrangement that was consistent with his religious convictions.
Cleric Challenges Religious Population Claims
The Islamic scholar also challenged claims that Christians or other religious groups constitute a larger population than Muslims in Nigeria.
His position has continued to generate reactions, with some commentators describing the remarks as divisive, while others have defended his right to express his religious and political views.
Jingir Maintains Position Despite Criticism
Despite the criticism surrounding his declaration, Jingir said he remained committed to supporting and encouraging Muslims to back a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
His comments come as political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify, with religion and political representation expected to remain important issues in the country’s electoral debate.
A political analyst said Jingir’s comments could strengthen support among Muslim voters who backed the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election ahead of the 2027 election.
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