The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned remarks attributed to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, urging Muslims to support Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jingir reportedly made the comments during a mass wedding ceremony in Kano attended by prominent political figures, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi. He was also quoted as urging Muslims to “show the infidels their limit”.
The comments, which were captured on video and circulated widely on social media, have sparked concerns over the potential impact of religious rhetoric on Nigeria’s political and social stability.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED said Jingir did not represent the views of the majority of Nigerian Muslims.
The organisation argued that many Nigerians, including Muslims across the country, were struggling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other social challenges.
CHRICED described it as “reckless, insensitive and profoundly un-Islamic” for any religious leader to encourage Nigerians to support a political arrangement on the basis of religion while the country continues to face significant socioeconomic and security challenges.
The group also criticised the use of the word “infidels” to describe fellow Nigerians of other faiths, arguing that such language was inconsistent with the principles of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
According to CHRICED, Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion, association and political participation must not be used to promote religious supremacy, exclusion or the dehumanisation of citizens.
The organisation warned that inflammatory religious rhetoric had the potential to deepen existing divisions and create an environment that could be exploited by extremist groups.
It maintained that political leadership should be determined by competence, integrity, accountability and service to citizens rather than religious identity.
CHRICED also expressed concern over the alleged failure of political leaders present at the event to publicly condemn Jingir’s remarks.
The group said silence from political leaders when divisive statements were made could create the impression that such rhetoric was acceptable.
CHRICED Makes Demands Ahead of 2027
As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, CHRICED urged political leaders across party and religious lines to publicly reject religious exclusion and inflammatory rhetoric.
It also called on religious scholars and institutions to discourage the use of religious platforms to promote intolerance or political division.
The organisation urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement against hate speech and religious incitement while respecting constitutional freedoms.
Political parties and candidates were similarly advised to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than religious identity.
CHRICED further called on security agencies to monitor inflammatory statements capable of threatening public peace and urged traditional, religious and community leaders to promote dialogue, tolerance and equal citizenship.
The organisation appealed to Nigerians to reject attempts to divide the country along religious lines and demand leadership based on credibility, competence, accountability and service.
“As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 general elections, CHRICED urges all stakeholders to act with restraint, responsibility and patriotism,” the statement said.
It added that no religion owned Nigeria and no citizen should be made to feel inferior or alienated because of their faith.
“Nigeria needs leaders — political and religious — who build bridges, not widen divides.”
