Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir over the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Fani-Kayode described the comments as divisive, provocative and dangerous to Nigeria’s religious harmony.
Jingir had reportedly urged Muslims to mobilise their votes and ensure the continued success of Muslim-Muslim political tickets.
He was also quoted as saying that Nigeria is a Muslim country and that Christians who reject a Muslim-Muslim ticket should leave the country.
Reacting to the remarks, Fani-Kayode said he received several calls and messages from concerned Christians and Muslims following the comments.
He also expressed disappointment that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf appeared to cheer and celebrate Jingir’s remarks at the event.
According to Fani-Kayode, religious issues should not be exploited for political gains because the consequences could be damaging to the country.
He warned that provocative religious rhetoric could fuel tension in a country where Christians and Muslims live together.
Fani-Kayode said such comments could also strengthen opposition attacks against the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that the APC would require both Christian and Muslim votes to win the election and should therefore avoid statements capable of alienating either religious group.
“Jingir does not represent the feelings of the APC and neither does he speak for us. He only speaks for himself,” Fani-Kayode said.
He insisted that support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 and 2027 should be based on the competence, character and electoral strength of the candidates rather than their religion.
Fani-Kayode maintained that Nigeria is neither a Muslim nor Christian country, but a secular and multi-religious nation.
He added that Christians should not be described as infidels, stressing that citizens of different faiths have equal rights in the country.
“Nobody is going anywhere because this is our country,” he said.
The former minister further warned that continued religious rhetoric could create unnecessary tension and undermine national unity.
He urged politicians and religious leaders to focus on policies, competence and character rather than religious identity.
Fani-Kayode also said there could be a Christian-Christian presidential ticket in the future, just as there is currently a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He called on Jingir to apologise to Christians and the Church in Nigeria and to exercise greater caution in his public statements.
Fani-Kayode also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite and caution the cleric over his comments.
He said religious leaders should promote peace, reconciliation and mutual respect rather than statements that could deepen divisions.
Fani-Kayode concluded that no religion should be treated as superior to another, urging Nigerians to respect one another and live peacefully regardless of faith.
