A coalition of prominent organizations and political figures, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and politician Rabiu Kwankwaso, have publicly criticized Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir for his recent inflammatory remarks against Christians.
During a weekend event in Kano, the cleric allegedly endorsed the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2027 elections and argued that Muslims should dominate the political landscape due to their population size. These comments prompted widespread backlash.
The NHRC, led by Chief Tony Ojukwu, formally requested that the federal government arrest and prosecute the cleric. The commission argued that such hate speech violates constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination. Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria emphasized that political choices should be based on leadership quality rather than religious identity, warning that such divisive rhetoric threatens national unity.
Bishop Wale Oke of the PFN echoed these sentiments, urging the government to adopt a firm stance against religious extremism and criminal acts committed under the guise of faith. Rabiu Kwankwaso also distanced himself and the people of Kano from the cleric’s views, stating that such divisive statements are harmful during this sensitive period in the country’s history. Former Minister Fani-Kayode also weighed in, calling on authorities to caution the cleric and stressing that Nigeria remains a secular, multi-religious state that requires mutual respect to thrive.
