Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir has called for the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He made the remarks at an event attended by some All Progressives Congress governors, praising President Bola Tinubu for promoting the arrangement in 2023.

Jingir described himself as a strong advocate of the Muslim-Muslim ticket and urged supporters to stand firm. He acknowledged that the position had drawn criticism from Christians and others but insisted he had done nothing wrong by campaigning for it.

He also encouraged people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.

The comments sparked debate on social media, with critics describing them as divisive in Nigeria’s multi-religious society. Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, responded by calling the rhetoric highly provocative and unhelpful.

Fani-Kayode said he respected the cleric but warned that such statements represented a dangerous path.

He stressed that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious state made up of both Christians and Muslims in roughly equal numbers, and that this diversity is a source of strength.

While confirming his own support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027, Fani-Kayode said it was based on the candidates’ ability and character rather than their religion. He urged Nigerians to prioritise national unity and focus on issues, policies, and personalities rather than religious divisions.

Photo credit: The Middlebelt Guardian