Sani Jingir: I have no regrets over Muslim-Muslim ticket advocacy

Islamic cleric, Sani Jingir, has said he has no regrets over his recent comments advocating a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in Nigeria.

Jingir made the remarks while speaking at a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, where he urged Muslims to vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, the cleric said he stood by his position and would not apologise for his comments.

> “I have absolutely no regrets. I stand firmly by my words and will never apologise. I will continue to advocate for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.

Jingir said his position was based on his religious beliefs and was not an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu or former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the preaching podium was a sacred platform for educating people, adding that he had a responsibility to communicate what he considered to be the truth to his congregation.

The cleric said he regularly tells his followers that participation in politics is a religious obligation and urged Muslims to engage in the political process based on their beliefs rather than financial inducements from politicians.

> “I am not campaigning for Bola Tinubu, I am campaigning for my religion,” Jingir said.

He added that his advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure was “not about Tinubu or Muhammadu Buhari” but was strictly based on his religious convictions.

Jingir said he anticipated criticism over his position and had mentally prepared himself for the backlash.

> “If you know you are speaking the truth, you must never allow public criticism to discourage you, which is why I continuously emphasise this message,” he said.

He also defended his right to advocate for a Muslim candidate, stressing that his position did not prevent anyone from voting according to their preference.

The cleric said his call was for Muslims to support what he described as a “righteous and better Muslim”, while noting that Islam forbids corruption and stealing.

> “My words carry no harm. I explicitly stated that people are free to vote for whoever they want, while I will personally do what aligns with my beliefs,” he added.

Jingir further claimed that his position had received widespread support from Muslims, saying a majority of Muslims agreed with his stance.

His comments have, however, continued to generate criticism, with some Nigerians describing his position as divisive and capable of deepening religious tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.