Nigeria: Muslim-Muslim Ticket - Islamic Cleric Jingir's Remarks Trigger Political Backlash

What the report says

A comment by Nigerian Islamic cleric Sani Jingir has renewed debate over the ruling All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election, according to Premium Times, which was distributed by AllAfrica. Jingir made the remarks in Kano on Saturday at a mass wedding event sponsored by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, where he said he would continue supporting the same ticket he backed in 2023.

The article says Jingir described Nigeria as a Muslim-majority country, urged Muslims to vote in large numbers and framed his support as a religious duty. He also repeated support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima while suggesting the 2023 result showed the strength of Muslim voters. The comments quickly drew criticism from political figures who warned that using religion as a campaign tool could sharpen existing divisions.

Former Kano governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso condemned the remarks, saying divisive language should be avoided and that leaders have a responsibility to promote unity and reconciliation. Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode also criticized Jingir, calling the comments reckless and warning they could alienate Christian voters and complicate the APC’s 2027 prospects.

The report notes that Jingir is a prominent cleric linked to the Izala movement and has previously backed the APC ticket. It also places the latest backlash in the wider context of Nigeria’s tense debates over religion, identity and electoral politics, particularly after the controversial 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket.