A support group within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Grassroots Mobilisation Network (GMN), has urged Nigerians to reject the comments and ideology of a Jos, Plateau State-based cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, on a same-faith presidential ticket.
In a statement on Tuesday, the group insisted that what Northern Nigeria needs is good governance anchored on justice, not a religious ticket.
In the statement signed by its Secretary General, Mallam Usman Bala Idris, GMN urged religious leaders to abstain from reckless comments which could affect the peace and tranquillity of the country.
The group was reacting to remarks credited to Sheikh Jingir in Kano where he said in a viral video that Nigeria was a Muslim country and that Muslims were superior to Christians, whom he referred to as ‘infidels.’
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Reacting to the comments, GMN maintained that Jingir’s view “does not represent Islam and Muslims, but his personal interest,” adding that “Islam is a religion of justice, fairness and the protection of the rights of all citizens. It does not preach hatred or claim superiority over others.”
Idris, in the statement, also condemned the push for the same-faith presidential ticket by the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s unity and diversity.
“A same-faith ticket is anti-people, anti-unity and anti our divergent nature. Nigeria, and particularly the North, is composed of Muslims and Christians who have coexisted for centuries. We must not allow politicians to exploit religion to divide us for political gains,” the group stated.
“We appeal to all patriotic Nigerians to call APC’s Sheikh Jingir to order. Muslims stand for justice and not oppression, which the APC government represents,” he said.
GMN also urged voters to prioritise competence and character over religious identity, saying, “Voters should reject Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir’s comments and ideology.
“What is important to the North is good governance whether led by a Muslim or a Christian, provided it delivers justice, security, food and jobs for our people.”
The group called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, to caution clerics against hate speech and divisive sermons.
GMN reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to inclusive governance, religious tolerance, and politics centred on the welfare of Nigerians at the grassroots.