Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has strongly condemned recent remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, describing them as divisive and capable of heightening religious tension in Nigeria.
Jingir made the comments at a campaign event in Kano State in support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. In the remarks, which have circulated widely, the cleric urged Muslims to back Muslim-Muslim presidential and other political tickets in future elections. He reportedly referred to non-Muslims as “infidels” and called on his audience to “show the infidels their limit” at the polls. Jingir also alleged that members of the Maitatsine movement were “Christians in disguise” while discussing an attack on a mosque in Kano.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Adeyanju said: “I condemn the recent rhetoric of Sheikh Yahya Jingir and describe same as divisive and capable of fuelling religious tension in our beloved nation.
“Nigeria is a plural society, and our Constitution recognizes and protects that plurality. Religious leaders should respect Nigeria’s plurality and use their influence to promote peace and unity rather than sowing discord between Christians and Muslims.”
Adeyanju further questioned the practical benefits of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, asking whether it had improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians. “Has the Muslim-Muslim ticket put food on the tables of Nigerians, solved insecurity, unemployment, inflation, or strengthened the Nigerian passport and Nigeria’s standing in the world?” he queried.
He warned that any rhetoric pitting one faith against another only deepens national divisions and fuels agitations across the country. Adeyanju called on religious leaders and politicians to respect Nigeria’s religious, cultural and ethnic diversity and to prioritise peace and unity.
The comments by Jingir and Adeyanju’s response come amid ongoing public debate over religious balancing in Nigerian politics, particularly ahead of future elections.