Nigeria's ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has publicly rejected a viral claim by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria, describing the statement as extreme, unhelpful, and dangerous to national unity. The APC chieftain's reaction came on Sunday, August 9, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, directly challenging the Plateau-based Islamic scholar's position.
Fani-Kayode's Strong Rebuttal
While expressing personal respect for the cleric, Fani-Kayode was firm in his disagreement. He wrote: "The extremist rhetoric he has indulged in here is most unhelpful, and neither is it true." He added: "Kindly take note that it is a very slippery and dangerous slope to take and is best avoided."
The former aviation minister emphasized his view of Nigeria's identity: "Nigeria is NOT a Muslim country and neither is she a Christian country. She is a SECULAR and MULTI-RELIGIOUS state comprising of BOTH Christians and Muslims in equal numbers and that is our strength."
Addressing the Muslim/Muslim Ticket for 2027
Fani-Kayode also tackled questions about the Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket he supports ahead of the 2027 general elections, clarifying that religion played no part in the decision. He stated: "We are supporting a Muslim/Muslim ticket for 2027, as we did in 2023, only because of the calibre, ability, sincerity of purpose, character, utility and electoral strength of our presidential and vice presidential candidates and their ability to deliver and not because they are Muslims."
He even floated the possibility of a Christian/Christian ticket in the future, saying, "One day we may have a Christian/Christian ticket too because with God all things are possible."
A Call for Unity Ahead of 2027
Fani-Kayode urged Nigerians to set aside religious differences and focus on governance and policy. He argued that the Christian community has fared better under the current administration than during the 2015 to 2023 period, despite that earlier government running on a Muslim/Christian ticket. "We must not allow this issue to divide our ranks," he wrote. "We are NIGERIANS before being Christian or Muslim and we must not only stand as ONE but also go to the polls as ONE."
He closed by referencing the 2023 presidential election as a model, saying his side overcame religious intolerance to win that contest and expressed confidence the same would happen again in 2027.
Context and Background
Sheikh Yahaya Jingir is a prominent Islamic cleric based in Plateau State, north-central Nigeria. His viral video, which has sparked widespread debate, claims that Muslims form a majority in the country. This assertion has been contested by many, including Fani-Kayode, who insists on Nigeria's secular and multi-religious character.
Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, is known for his outspoken political commentary. He is a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and has been a vocal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Earlier reports from Legit.ng indicated that Fani-Kayode had reflected on the early preparations for the 2027 presidential election, asserting that none of the likely opposition candidates has the capacity to unseat President Tinubu.
