Sheikh Jingir

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Islamic cleric Sani Jingir has defended his call for a Muslim-Muslim leadership ticket in Nigeria, saying he has no regret over the controversial position.

Jingir spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, days after he urged Muslims at a mass wedding in Kano to use their numerical strength when choosing political leaders.

The mass wedding, organised by the Kano State Government, involved 1,500 couples.

During his address at the event, the cleric had urged Muslims to “vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country”.

Jingir said his position was rooted in his religious convictions and was not an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu or former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I have absolutely no regrets. I stand firmly by my words and will never apologise. I will continue to advocate for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.

The cleric said he regarded the pulpit as a sacred platform for educating Muslims and communicating what he believes to be the truth.

He also said he regularly teaches his congregation that political participation is a religious responsibility.

According to him, Muslims should take part in politics based on their convictions rather than accept financial inducements from politicians.

“I am not campaigning for Bola Tinubu, I am campaigning for my religion,” he said.

“As I have stated before, my advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure is not about Tinubu or Muhammadu Buhari. It is strictly for the sake of Allah.

“My additional perspective is that today’s world is filled with propaganda, which fails to let people truly understand the situation they are in. The preaching podium is a sacred space meant for education.”

Jingir said he was aware that his position would attract criticism but insisted that public opposition would not make him abandon his views.

He also maintained that advocating for Muslim candidates did not take away the right of Nigerians to vote for candidates of their choice.

The cleric said his appeal was for Muslims to support a “righteous and better Muslim”, while stressing that corruption and stealing are prohibited in Islam.

“If you know you are speaking the truth, you must never allow public criticism to discourage you, which is why I continuously emphasise this message,” he said.

“I have already mentally prepared for the backlash. Whatever they say about me, I am fully ready to face it.

“My words carry no harm. I explicitly stated that people are free to vote for whoever they want, while I will personally do what aligns with my beliefs.”

Jingir further claimed that his position had received substantial backing from Muslims across the country.

“I swear that I have received immense support from the Muslim community. A vast majority of Muslims agree with this stance,” he added.

“Look at what happened during my address in Kano. I asked the crowd if they stood with Islamic principles, and they overwhelmingly responded in the affirmative.”

His comments have since attracted criticism from some Nigerians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Chairman Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has faulted the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing it as highly risky.

He said Nigerian Muslims have rejected the appointment because of the sensitive role of INEC as the nation’s electoral body.

Sheikh Jingir spoke at the end of a three-day 33rd annual national seminar organised by JIBWIS at Saddeqa Event Center in Jos.

Professor Amupitan has faced criticism over a legal brief he authored years ago. The document allegedly attempted to justify claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration has repeatedly denied the allegation. However, the government has remained silent on calls demanding his removal.

According to the cleric, the INEC chairman had accused Muslims of carrying out genocide against Christians. He argued that such a person should not occupy a sensitive national office.

“Why is it that someone that had abused Sheikh Usman Danfodio and Muslims was appointed INEC chairman, “ Sheik Jingir asked.

He also questioned the silence of members of the National Assembly on the matter. He urged lawmakers to take action and ensure that a fair individual heads the electoral commission.

The Islamic scholar further stated that Muslims oppose the appointment of anyone he alleged had invited foreign intervention against Nigeria to lead a critical institution.

He said, “I disagree with the person that went aboard to call for an attack on Nigeria, and the government of Muslim-Muslim, take the risk of appointing him as the head of electoral umpire, it is an extremely a risk of the highest order.”