The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday demanded the arrest of Islamic cleric Sani Jingir for his comments about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
NHRC’s Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu made this request in a press statement. He urged the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), and other relevant authorities to “immediately arrest and prosecute Sheikh Yahaya Jingir for hate speech and incitement.”
Mr Ojukwu said that arresting Mr Jingir would send a strong message to anyone trying to misuse religion for political gain.
Mr Ojukwu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, criticized Mr Jingir’s comments. He called them insensitive, especially as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Mr Jingir made his remarks on Saturday during a mass wedding event sponsored by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the cleric, speaking in Hausa, expressed his continued support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027, similar to what he did in 2023.
“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam,” Mr Jingir said. “I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again.”
He also claimed Nigeria is a Muslim-majority country and criticized those who disagree with him. “I know this statement pains the unbelievers,” he stated. “I am a Muslim who preaches Islam. If I say Muslim-Muslim, what have I taken away from them?”
Mr Jingir encouraged Muslims to vote in large numbers. He believes this would show their strength in the country. “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.” He recalled the APC’s 2023 presidential election victory, saying, “When the votes were counted, Allah helped us, and we defeated them.”
He then reaffirmed his support for the same political setup 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.”
The NHRC condemned Mr Jingir’s comments. They described them as divisive and a threat to the principles of equality and peace in Nigeria’s constitution. “The Commission finds these remarks to be hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence,” Mr Ojukwu said. “Such utterances are reckless and dangerous. They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines.”
He added, “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.”
Mr Ojukwu also urged all religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to avoid divisive language. He reiterated the commission’s commitment to working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure the 2027 elections are free and fair.
Former Kano State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, also condemned the comments. He stated that the “good people of Kano” do not support divisive rhetoric.
Former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, also criticized Mr Jingir’s statement, calling it extremist and reckless.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇