A Plateau-based group, One Plateau, One Voice, has rejected claims attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir that the people of Plateau State support the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and would vote massively for the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The group’s convener, Dogo Nanzing, said Jingir had no authority to speak on behalf of the people of Plateau State, arguing that the cleric was a resident of the state but not an indigene.
Nanzing made the remarks on Saturday while appearing on The People’s Movement, a podcast programme hosted by Jos-based radio presenter and comedian Osama Apkunonu.
He said members of One Plateau, One Voice considered it insulting for Jingir to assume the position of spokesperson for the indigenous people of the state and suggest that they collectively supported the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
“Yahaya Jingir is not one of us. He is not from Plateau. He is a settler and a resident on the Plateau, but not an indigene,” Nanzing said.
The group also rejected the suggestion that Jingir’s views represented Muslims in Plateau State.
According to Nanzing, the cleric had over the years projected himself as a spokesperson for Muslims in Plateau and had increasingly made comments which, in the group’s view, were capable of creating religious and political tension.
He maintained that Jingir’s position on the Muslim-Muslim ticket did not reflect the general opinion of Plateau residents.
Nanzing further accused the cleric of using religion to promote personal and political interests rather than advancing the collective interests of Muslims or the people of Plateau State.
“Yahaya Jingir is only speaking for himself, his family and his pocket. He is not speaking for Muslims, and even as a leader of an Islamic sect, he is not speaking for the entire Izala movement,” he alleged.
The remarks followed recent controversy surrounding comments attributed to Jingir in which he defended the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and argued that Muslims should support candidates of their faith based on their numerical strength and political popularity.
Those comments have generated criticism from Christian groups and other stakeholders, particularly over language attributed to the cleric concerning Christians and political mobilisation along religious lines.
Nanzing said such remarks should not be interpreted as the collective view of Muslims or residents of Plateau State.
He also pointed to the reaction of the Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, which he said had distanced itself from a statement issued by an individual associated with its media structure that appeared to support Jingir’s position.
“JNI came out and disclaimed it completely. They distanced themselves from Jingir’s position. That tells you clearly that he is speaking for himself,” Nanzing said.
According to him, the reported distancing by JNI further demonstrated that Jingir could not claim to represent the views of the entire Muslim community in the state.
The One Plateau, One Voice convener said the cleric’s comments had the potential to worsen existing religious and political divisions if they were allowed to be presented as representative of Plateau residents generally.
He therefore urged the Plateau State Government and other relevant stakeholders to consider measures aimed at discouraging religious teachings and public statements capable of inciting hatred, hostility or division among residents.
Nanzing maintained that religious leaders, irrespective of faith, should exercise restraint in political discussions and avoid presenting personal political preferences as the collective position of entire communities.
The group’s comments add to the growing controversy surrounding Jingir’s recent political interventions ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
One Plateau, One Voice insisted that Plateau State is politically and religiously diverse and that no individual cleric should claim to speak for all residents or all members of a particular faith.
The allegations and characterisations made against Jingir by Nanzing remain his and the group’s assertions. Jingir’s response to the latest criticism was not contained in the material available.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
