Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, leader of the Izala Scholars Council, said he has no regret over his recent declaration of support for a Muslim‑Muslim presidential ticket despite criticism following the statement.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, monitored by our correspondent, Jingir said his position was not politically motivated nor intended to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but was based on what he described as his responsibility as a Muslim.
He said he would continue to support and encourage Muslims to back a Muslim‑Muslim ticket regardless of the criticism his stance might attract.
“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim‑Muslim ticket. What they say will not stop me. They started it; at one point we suffered at their hands,” he said.
The cleric had declared his support for the arrangement during a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples and urged Muslims to vote in a manner that would demonstrate their numerical strength in the country.
Jingir said he decided to support the arrangement after President Tinubu “raised the flag” of the Muslim‑Muslim ticket. He added that, as a Muslim preacher, he has the right to advocate a political arrangement consistent with his religious convictions.
The cleric also challenged claims that Christians or other religious groups outnumber Muslims in Nigeria.
His remarks have continued to elicit reactions, with some commentators describing them as divisive while others defended his right to express his religious and political views.
A political analyst said the comments could strengthen support among Muslim voters who backed the Muslim‑Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election ahead of the 2027 polls. The analyst, however, warned that the position could also alienate some non‑Muslim voters who previously supported President Tinubu.
