Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has refused to apologise over his controversial remarks describing critics of the Muslim-Muslim ticket as “infidels”, insisting that he has no regret over his position.
Jingir, in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored on Wednesday, said he would continue to encourage Muslims to support a Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election, arguing that his position was based on his religious conviction and not political consideration.
“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say would not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands,” he said.
The cleric had sparked controversy after urging Muslims to support the arrangement during a mass wedding programme in Kano, where he argued that the ticket demonstrated the numerical strength of Muslims in Nigeria.
He was also reported to have urged Muslims to “show the infidels their limit”, a comment that triggered widespread criticism.
Reacting to the backlash, Jingir said he would not abandon his position because of criticism from opponents.
He maintained that his support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket was not an endorsement of any individual candidate but a position he held as a Muslim preacher.
“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.
The cleric also rejected claims that his remarks were politically motivated or intended to campaign for President Bola Tinubu, saying he was only expressing his religious views.
The comments have continued to generate reactions, with critics describing the remarks as divisive and capable of deepening religious tension, while others have defended his right to express his views on political arrangements.
Ahead of the 2027 general election, debates over religious identity, political alliances and the Muslim-Muslim ticket are expected to remain major issues as political parties begin preparations for the contest
