Keep religion out of dirty politics, Gumi tells Jingir

Renowned Islamic cleric Dr Ahmad Gumi has urged Nigerians to refrain from intertwining religion with political matters, stating that religious sentiments should not be introduced into political disputes in the country. Gumi's opinion was shared in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday, in response to comments purportedly made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).

Jingir, during a mass wedding ceremony in Kano on Saturday, defended the APC Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and urged Muslims to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to their shared Islamic faith. However, this stance has been met with criticism from Christian leaders, civil society organizations, and activists, who deemed it divisive.

Gumi addressed Jingir's argument, suggesting that the cleric should be forgiven for his perspective as he operates in a setting characterized by excessive bigotry against Islam. He also cited a recent controversy involving a Muslim vice-chancellor in Plateau State, emphasizing that the use of religion for political gains is not exclusive to any political faction.

Gumi further stated that both sides of the political spectrum are guilty of using religion to gain votes. He appealed to political actors to abstain from bringing religion into partisan political battles, stressing the need for respect for Nigeria's religious diversity. In a related development, the Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) distanced itself from comments attributed to Jingir regarding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

In a statement, the JNI Plateau Publicity Secretary, Gambo Hamza, dismissed the claim that the organization supported Jingir's position as false and misleading, asserting that the group promotes peace, unity, religious understanding, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria's diverse communities.