Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure fairness to Christians and opposition groups as Nigeria heads towards the 2027 general elections. He also denied claims that he is hostile towards Christians.
Jingir made the remarks on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at a national symposium in Jos, days after his earlier comments on the Muslim-Muslim ticket triggered criticism from Christian groups and other Nigerians.
The cleric said his earlier remarks had been misunderstood and insisted that he does not hate Christians. He called on Tinubu and state governors to ensure justice and fairness for all Nigerians, regardless of their religious or political affiliations.
Jingir had previously faced backlash after reportedly urging Muslims to support Muslim candidates and describing Christians as “infidels.” The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) subsequently condemned what it described as divisive remarks, while Christian and political groups also called for restraint.
