Nigeria: Sheikh Jingir Tackled for 'Manipulating' Religion Ahead 2027
[Daily Trust] Jos -- Some Nigerians have criticised the National Chairman of Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'a Wa'ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over what they described as the use of religion to influence political choices ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Nigerian religious leader Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has faced criticism for urging Muslims to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The National Chairman of Jama atu Izalatil Bid a Wa ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) made the remarks during a mass wedding ceremony organized by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples.
Jingir stated, "My candidate is Bola Ahmad Bola Tinubu. The President selected a Muslim as his vice. I am one of those who called people to support the Muslim-Muslim ticket." However, his comments have been deemed inflammatory and seen as manipulation of religion for political purposes. Amnesty International's Country Director, Isa Sanusi, called the comments "dangerous" and un-Islamic, warning that they damage the image of Islam in the country.
Barrister Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Sport, described the Muslim-Muslim ticket as having no tangible benefits for Muslims and questioned its ability to address issues like unemployment and infrastructure. Nigeria's Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, described Jingir's comments as "highly provocative" and urged against extremist rhetoric.
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