Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has strongly condemned remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir in support of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets, warning that such rhetoric risks deepening religious divisions and threatening Nigeria’s unity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Adeyanju described Jingir’s comments as divisive and capable of fuelling religious tension. He stressed that Nigeria is a plural society whose Constitution recognises and protects religious diversity, and urged religious leaders to promote peace rather than discord.
“I condemn the recent rhetoric of Sheikh Yahya Jingir as divisive and capable of fuelling religious tension. Nigeria is a plural society, and our Constitution recognises and protects that plurality. Religious leaders should respect Nigeria’s plurality and use their influence to promote peace and unity rather than sowing discord between Christians and Muslims,” Adeyanju said.
He questioned the practical benefits of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, asking whether it had improved living standards, security, employment, inflation, or Nigeria’s global standing. Adeyanju insisted that leadership should be judged by its impact on citizens’ lives rather than religious affiliation.
“Any rhetoric that pits one faith against another is one that only deepens our divisions and fuels agitations across the country. Clerics and politicians must stop provoking law-abiding citizens and learn to respect our different religions, cultures and ethnicities. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he added.
Adeyanju’s reaction followed a video of Jingir speaking at an event attended by some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi. In the video, the cleric renewed his support for Muslim-Muslim tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections and praised President Bola Tinubu for adopting the arrangement in 2023.
Jingir described Tinubu as his political hero and declared himself a “staunch advocate” of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, calling on supporters to unite behind it. He acknowledged opposition from Christians and other groups but defended his stance, asking whether campaigning for it constituted wrongdoing. He also urged followers to obtain their voters’ cards and “show the infidels their limit.”
The Muslim-Muslim ticket fielded by the APC in the 2023 presidential election—Tinubu paired with Kashim Shettima generated significant controversy, with critics arguing it failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity. The debate continues ahead of the 2027 polls, with supporters prioritising competence and electoral choice while opponents emphasise the need for greater religious sensitivity in political representation.
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