The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the arrest and prosecution of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir over his recent remarks endorsing a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. The call was made on Tuesday by the NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in a press statement addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and other relevant authorities.
NHRC’s Demand for Arrest
Ojukwu urged the authorities “to immediately arrest and prosecute Sheikh Yahaya Jingir for hate speech and incitement.” He stressed that such an action would serve as a deterrent to individuals who might exploit religion for political gain. The NHRC chief described Jingir’s remarks as insensitive, especially as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
“The Commission finds these remarks to be hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence,” Ojukwu stated. “At a time when we are preparing for another general election, such utterances are reckless and dangerous. They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines and set citizens against one another.”
Background of the Cleric’s Remarks
Jingir made the controversial statements on Saturday during a mass wedding ceremony organized and sponsored by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples. Speaking in Hausa, he affirmed his readiness to continue supporting the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027, as he did in 2023.
“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam,” Jingir said. “I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again.” He also described Nigeria as a Muslim-majority country and criticized those who rejected his claim. “I know this statement pains the unbelievers,” he added. “I am a Muslim who preaches Islam. If I say Muslim-Muslim, what have I taken away from them?”
He urged Muslims to vote in large numbers, saying the outcome would demonstrate their numerical strength. “So, here I am calling on you, please, everyone should get their votes ready,” he said, referring to the voter’s card. “Let us show the world that those unbelievers who claim they outnumber us in Nigeria are lying.”
Referring to the APC’s 2023 presidential election victory, Jingir declared, “When the votes were counted, Allah helped us, and we defeated them.” He then reaffirmed his support for the same arrangement in 2027. “My vote is for Islam,” he told the gathering. “What about the votes of Muslim people?” he asked, prompting the audience to respond: “It is for Muslims.”
Wider Condemnation
The NHRC’s condemnation was echoed by other political figures. Former Kano State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also criticized the remarks, noting that the “good people of Kano” do not support divisive rhetoric. Similarly, former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, described Jingir’s comment as extremist and reckless.
The NHRC’s statement further emphasized the need for restraint among all influential persons. “We cannot afford to look away. If we fail to speak and act now, we embolden both Christian and Muslim clerics and other influential persons to make worse statements in the coming months. That path leads only to crisis,” Ojukwu warned.
He requested that all religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians refrain from divisive rhetoric. The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the 2027 elections are free and fair.
