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Sheikh Jingir sparks controversy with remarks on Nigeria’s religious identity
Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), has sparked significant controversy following remarks regarding Nigeria’s religious identity and political landscape.
During an event in Kano, Jingir expressed support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket, citing President Bola Tinubu as a political hero. He claimed that his stance on the ticket contributed to the electoral defeat of opponents and urged the Muslim umma to vote for Muslim-Muslim candidates. Furthermore, Jingir stated that Nigeria is a Muslim country, suggesting that those who disagree should leave the nation.
The comments have drawn widespread condemnation from religious and political figures. Femi Fani-Kayode described the rhetoric as “highly provocative” and “extremist,” emphasizing that Nigeria is a secular, multi-religious state. Other commentators and Christian leaders have responded by asserting that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens regardless of faith, arguing that religious identity should not be used as a political tool in a diverse democracy.
Entities
Bola Tinubu · Femi Fani-Kayode · Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah · Nigeria · Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir · Yahya Jingir
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Femi Fani-Kayode described Jingir’s remarks as highly provocative and extremist rhetoric. www.thisdaylive.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fani-Kayode stated that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious state, not a Muslim or Christian country. www.thisdaylive.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A Christian leader argued that Nigeria belongs to all citizens regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region. businessday.ng
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jingir declared his support for Muslim-Muslim candidates and urged the Muslim umma to follow suit. www.thisdaylive.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir claimed Nigeria is a Muslim country and suggested those who disagree should leave. theglittersonline.com.ng · www.thisdaylive.com