Sheikh Yahaya Jingir’s Comments Will Hurt Tinubu in 2027, Fani-Kayode Warns

Former Nigerian Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has cautioned that remarks made by Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir in support of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket could negatively impact President Bola Tinubu's chances of re-election in 2027. Fani-Kayode argued that such a move could alienate Christian voters, exacerbate religious divisions, and grant opposition parties a campaign issue to exploit against the All Progressives Congress.

The former minister expressed concern following Jingir's comments at an event in Kano, where he allegedly backed the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim tickets and praised himself as a supporter of the arrangement. Fani-Kayode received numerous calls and messages from both Christians and Muslims after the cleric's remarks were published, with many expressing distress over the Kano State governor's apparent endorsement of Jingir's position.

The minister warned against using religious identity to mobilize political support, stating that doing so could worsen existing tensions and have lasting consequences beyond the 2027 election. Fani-Kayode emphasized that matters of faith and salvation are of greater importance than any worldly gain, and urged an end to divisive rhetoric that plays with national interests.

He pointed out that Jingir's comments were particularly ill-advised due to Nigeria's significant Christian population and ongoing accusations of religious persecution, which some have attributed to American interests. The cleric's statements could inadvertently lend credence to false narratives about the government's intentions and weaken the ruling party's electoral prospects, especially considering the need for a diverse voter base to secure a win in the upcoming presidential election.