Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has refused to apologise over his controversial remarks concerning opponents of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, insisting that he has no regret and will continue to encourage Muslims to support such an arrangement ahead of the 2027 general election.

Jingir, speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored on Wednesday, maintained that his position was rooted in his religious conviction and was not motivated by partisan politics or support for any particular presidential candidate.

“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say would not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands,” he said.

The cleric had generated controversy following remarks he made during a mass wedding programme in Kano, where he called on Muslims to support another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2027 and argued that electoral participation could be used to demonstrate the numerical strength of Muslims in Nigeria.

He was also reported to have referred to opponents of the arrangement as “infidels” and urged Muslims to “show the infidels their limit,” comments that subsequently attracted widespread criticism and concerns that such rhetoric could deepen religious divisions.

Responding to the backlash, Jingir said the criticism would not cause him to abandon his position.

He insisted that his support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular politician but as an expression of his beliefs as a Muslim preacher.

“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he reiterated.

Jingir also rejected suggestions that the remarks were intended to campaign for President Bola Tinubu or advance the political interests of any individual.

According to him, his position was based solely on his understanding of his religious obligations and should not be presented as partisan political campaigning.

The cleric further suggested that his comments should be understood against what he described as past experiences of Muslims, saying, “They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands.”

His refusal to withdraw the remarks comes amid growing criticism from political figures, rights groups and other Nigerians who have warned that religiously charged political rhetoric could threaten peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The National Human Rights Commission had earlier called for his arrest and prosecution over the remarks, describing them as alleged hate speech and incitement to religious hatred.

Other political figures have also criticised the comments, arguing that Nigeria’s religious diversity should not be exploited for electoral advantage.

Jingir, however, has remained firm, maintaining that criticism and demands for an apology would not stop him from advocating a Muslim-Muslim political arrangement.

The controversy has further intensified debate over the role of religion in Nigerian politics as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general election, with questions surrounding religious representation, political alliances and the place of clerics in partisan political discourse expected to remain prominent.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel _______________________________________________________________________

“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof

Two leading books on electronic evidence by Hon. Justice Professor Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, Rtd., PhD, FICMC, are now available for purchase. The publications, Electronic Evidence (Second Edition), With The Evidence Act, 2011 and Compendium Of Cases On Electronic Evidence, Volume II, 2020–2025, provide practical guidance, legal analysis and recent judicial authorities on electronic evidence in Nigeria.Order directly from the author here: https://velvety-cendol-7387ed.netlify.app/ _______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion. Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. ______________________________________________________________________