By Musa Baba Adamu
The national leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has clarified his position on the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying his support for the arrangement should not be interpreted as opposition to Christians or other religious groups.
Jingir instead urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure fairness and justice in governing the country, regardless of religion, political affiliation or electoral allegiance.
The cleric spoke at a national symposium in Jos, Plateau State, titled “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria.”
Addressing the controversy surrounding his support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, Jingir said political choices should be determined by a candidate’s capacity to provide justice and inclusive governance rather than religious identity.
He specifically appealed to Tinubu not to discriminate against either Muslims or non-Muslims in the administration of the country.
“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to cheat non-Muslims and Muslims alike.
“I also call on you not to cheat those who are not in the same political party with you. You should lead with justice and fairness to all Nigerians,” he said.
Jingir maintained that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support any candidate of their choice, irrespective of religious affiliation.
The cleric also cited his personal political history to demonstrate that his support for Muslim candidates is not rooted in hostility towards Christians.
He recalled that he had previously supported a Christian candidate for governor in Plateau State, but said his decision was based on his assessment of the candidate’s ability to provide inclusive representation.
According to him, during the 2007 Plateau State governorship election, a Christian candidate visited him to seek his support.
Jingir said he became concerned after observing that there was no Muslim among members of the candidate’s entourage.
“I said to Prof. Dakum Shon, I did not see a single Muslim in the entourage, and no Muslim would represent me in the cabinet after forming his (Governor Jonah Jang’s) government, and that was why I did not vote for that candidate,” he explained.
He said his political decisions have consistently been influenced by considerations of justice, representation and inclusiveness rather than religious animosity.
Jingir further maintained that citizens should be free to make political choices based on whoever they believe would protect their interests and provide responsible leadership.
His latest comments appear to place greater emphasis on fair governance and inclusive representation than on the religious composition of political tickets, as political parties and candidates begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
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