JALINGO, NIGERIA — The Youth Wing of the TEKAN/ECWA fellowship has strongly condemned comments credited to prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, calling on Muslims to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket while labeling Christians as “infidels.”
In a press statement signed by National TEKAN/ECWA Youth President, Bako Adashu Elijah, the fellowship described Jingir’s comments in a viral video as dangerous, divisive, and capable of inflaming religious tensions across Nigeria.
‘Reckless Religious Bigotry’ – Elijah
Expressing outrage over the incident, the youth group criticized dignitaries present at the event, accusing them of applauding the cleric rather than rebuking his rhetoric.
“We are deeply shocked, disappointed, and outraged by the reckless, divisive, and utterly unacceptable statement made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir.
“This is not responsible religious leadership; it is dangerous religious bigotry capable of inflaming an already fragile national environment,” Elijah stated.
“What is even more disturbing is the apparent excitement and applause that accompanied this divisive rhetoric, including the presence of prominent public officials.
“When public office holders sit comfortably in the presence of religious bigotry without condemning it, Nigerians are justified in asking whether some people in authority are fueling religious intolerance.”
’Nigeria Belongs to All Citizens’
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, the youth leader recalled that millions of Nigerian Christians voted for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket in good faith to promote national progress, maintaining that no faith group holds exclusive ownership of the nation.
”Our message is simple: Nigeria does not belong to Muslims alone, and Nigeria does not belong to Christians alone. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians,” he said.
“Every citizen has the constitutional right to practice his or her faith, support any political party, and participate fully in the affairs of the nation.
“Religious freedom, however, must never become a license to insult, demonize, or politically mobilize Nigerians against one another on the basis of faith.”
Expressing concern over the apparent silence of the Federal Government and security agencies, Elijah cautioned against allowing hate speech to escalate unchecked.
Consequently, he demanded an immediate public retraction and apology from Sheikh Jingir, calling on the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident.
He warned that if relevant authorities fail to act promptly, the group will deploy all constitutional, democratic, and legitimate civic measures to demand accountability and counter the weaponization of religion in Nigerian politics.
