Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, chairman of the Council of Ulama of the Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah Wa'ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) Jos zone, has clarified that his recent call for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 elections was his personal opinion and does not reflect the position of the Islamic organisation. He made the clarification on Tuesday, August 11, while addressing journalists in Kano, days after his remarks triggered widespread controversy across Nigeria.
Backlash Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket Remarks
Jingir had previously urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term on a same-faith ticket in 2027, reviving a debate that had divided the country during the lead-up to the 2023 elections. Christian leaders, civil society organisations, and political analysts swiftly condemned the cleric's position, warning that promoting a same-faith ticket in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria could deepen existing fault lines and inflame tensions ahead of the polls.
According to Premium Times, many critics questioned both the timing and intent behind the renewed push, noting that revisiting the Muslim-Muslim arrangement, which remained deeply contentious in 2023, risked undermining national cohesion ahead of a major election cycle.
Jingir's Clarification in Kano
Speaking to journalists, Jingir was explicit in separating his personal remarks from any institutional direction by JIBWIS. He said, according to Nigerian Tribune: "My call for Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima was not a position adopted by the organisation. It was my personal opinion."
He appealed to Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights responsibly by thoroughly evaluating candidates and political parties before casting their votes in 2027. He also called on political and religious leaders to champion peace, tolerance, and national unity, stressing the importance of what he described as "responsible political engagement" as the election season approaches.
Ongoing Debate and JIBWIS's Stance
Despite his clarification, Jingir's initial remarks continue to generate debate. Observers have noted that, with the 2027 elections still more than a year away, early religious-based political advocacy risks reopening divisions that heavily shaped political discourse in 2023. Legit.ng reports that JIBWIS, widely regarded as one of the largest Islamic organisations in Nigeria, had not released any official statement on the matter as of Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
