Political Firestorm: Kwankwaso and ADC Support Group Slam Jingir's Controversial Muslim-Muslim Ticket Remarks

The Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN), a support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), have both strongly condemned the recent comments and ideology espoused by Islamic scholar Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir. Both entities called on Nigerians to reject remarks deemed capable of fostering division and disunity, emphasizing the paramount need for good governance, justice, and national cohesion over religious considerations.

In a statement released in Abuja, Usman Bala Idris, the Secretary-General of the GMN, urged religious leaders to exercise caution and refrain from making reckless comments that could threaten the peace of the country. The GMN was specifically responding to remarks allegedly made by Sheikh Jingir in Kano, where he reportedly declared Muslims superior to Christians, referred to Christians as infidels, and described Nigeria as a Muslim country. Idris asserted that Sheikh Jingir’s stance did not represent the true tenets of Islam or the collective view of Muslims, but rather reflected his personal interests. He emphasized that Islam is a religion founded on justice, fairness, and the protection of the rights of all citizens, and does not preach hatred or superiority.

The GMN further condemned the advocacy for a same-faith presidential ticket, explicitly labeling the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a threat to Nigeria’s unity and diversity. Idris described such a ticket as "anti-people, anti-unity, and against our diverse nature," highlighting that both Muslims and Christians have coexisted for centuries, particularly in the North. He warned against politicians exploiting religion for political gains and appealed to patriotic Nigerians to call Sheikh Jingir to order. The GMN also underscored that Muslims stand for justice, not oppression, contrasting this with what they perceive the APC government represents. Voters were urged to prioritize competence, character, and the ability to deliver good governance, security, food, and jobs over religious identity when electing leaders. The group also called upon the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to caution religious clerics against hate speech and divisive sermons. The ADC, through the GMN, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance, religious tolerance, and politics focused on the welfare and development of all Nigerians.

Concurrently, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the NDC reacted to Sheikh Jingir’s comments on his verified Facebook page, expressing deep concern over their potential to promote division and disunity. Kwankwaso stressed that political and religious leaders hold a solemn responsibility to promote unity, truth, and reconciliation, especially during critical periods in the nation’s history. He found it particularly troubling that such divisive remarks emanated from a religious leader of Jingir’s influence. The former Kano State governor explicitly stated that "the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks," thereby distancing the populace from the controversial statements.

Kwankwaso urged leaders to be acutely aware of the consequences of their public utterances and to avoid any statements that could undermine the very foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood. He reiterated the importance of upholding truth, fostering unity, and advancing reconciliation. Additionally, Kwankwaso used the platform to look ahead to the 2027 general elections, framing them as an opportunity for Nigerians to assess the current administration's performance. He stated that voters would reward good governance with support and reject poor performance, concluding that the current administration had earned the latter. Both the GMN and Dr. Kwankwaso’s statements collectively emphasize a strong rejection of religious bigotry in politics and a fervent appeal for national unity and principled leadership in Nigeria.