Islamic scholar Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has defended his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying his position is based on what he described as the development recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Jingir spoke on Saturday at the Northern Muslims Intellectuals Forum in Jigawa State while addressing the controversy that followed his recent remarks in Kano.
Jingir Explains Support For Muslim-Muslim Ticket
The cleric said his recent call for support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket had attracted criticism from some Nigerians. He added that the reaction showed the need for Islamic scholars to do more to explain his position.
“When I went to Kano, I said Muslim-Muslim, but it turned out that some people did not like it. I said we still have work to do, so I will call the scholars to come and intensify our preaching,” Jingir said.
He stressed that his position was not an invitation to political insults or false accusations. Instead, he said Nigerians should focus on good governance and keep their political engagements constructive.
“Let us not insult one another, let us not fabricate stories or break promises,” he said.
Why Jingir Supports Tinubu
Jingir also explained why he has continued to support the Tinubu administration despite criticism from some quarters. According to him, his support is linked to the Muslim-Muslim ticket and what he considers improvements under the current government.
“I was asked, ‘Alhaji Sani, what has been done to you that you are doing this?’ I said there is nothing else except Muslim-Muslim and the development that he has brought,” he said.
The Islamic scholar also compared the current situation with what he described as the treatment of Muslims during a previous administration in Plateau State. He recalled alleged incidents involving Muslims travelling between Jos and Bukuru. Jingir said worshippers at a mosque where he once preached in Yan Taya were subjected to searches.
“There was a time in a previous government when, here in Jos, from Jos to Bukuru, at the mosque where I used to preach in Yan Taya, people were searched, even checking whether they had a bomb on them,” Jingir said.
He said the situation had changed under Tinubu and cited this as one reason for his positive assessment of the administration.
“But look at the situation now. We may not say everything, but for me, this government has performed very well,” he said.
Controversial Kano Remarks
Jingir’s comments come after remarks he made at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State Government earlier this month. The comments, which some people interpreted as disparaging non-Muslims, sparked condemnation from several quarters.
Some critics called on security agencies to arrest the cleric, arguing that his remarks could provoke tension. Other Islamic scholars and prominent politicians also criticised his comments. They included opposition figures such as former Kano State Governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Read also: Kwankwaso confirms Obi’s one-term pact, questions APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.
