The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged the Federal Government to caution Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya-Jingir, over his recent remarks describing Christians as “infidels.”
Kwankwaso said Yahaya-Jingir’s comments, made while canvassing support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, were inappropriate and capable of deepening religious and political divisions in the country.
Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, said the cleric’s position did not represent the views of the majority of northern Muslims, adding that Yahaya-Jingir should reconsider his stance.
“I believe it is not correct. What Malam Yahaya-Jingir is saying is not correct, and it will only succeed in further dividing the country,” Kwankwaso said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, whom he noted is a Christian and pastor, to intervene and caution the cleric.
Kwankwaso stressed that Christians and other non-Muslims are Nigerians with equal rights, including the right to vote and participate in the country’s political process.
He described rhetoric targeting non-Muslims as not only divisive but also a poor political strategy, noting that Nigeria’s electorate comprises Muslims, Christians and adherents of other faiths.
The NDC candidate expressed concern that Yahaya-Jingir’s comments could carry significant influence because of his standing as a respected religious figure.
“I have a lot of respect for him, but I do not know what happened, especially from 2023 to this period, for a leader at that level to come out and make such statements,” he said.
The former governor also commended Christian leaders who recently engaged President Bola Tinubu on issues affecting Nigerians, including hunger, insecurity, poverty and unemployment.
He said religious leaders should speak truth to power regardless of their political affiliations or personal preferences, adding that their interventions could help the government address pressing national challenges.
Kwankwaso urged Muslim leaders to similarly engage the President constructively and draw his attention to the difficulties confronting Nigerians.
Describing himself as a moderate Muslim, he stressed the importance of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership.
Reflecting on Kano’s political history, Kwankwaso recalled that the 2003 election campaign was dominated by debates over the implementation of Sharia, which he said heightened religious tensions.
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He said some politicians at the time promised that the implementation of Sharia would automatically address social and economic challenges, including unemployment, education and access to marriage.
Kwankwaso said subsequent experience showed that political rhetoric centred on religious identity could not substitute for effective governance.
He said the people of Kano had since become more focused on practical concerns, including education, security, employment and improved living conditions.
The former governor cited the 2023 Kano election as evidence that voters were increasingly concerned about governance rather than religious slogans.
He identified insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, poverty and the education of young people as some of the major concerns confronting communities in the North.
“Kano is a wrong place for such a campaign. The people of Kano are very clear. What they want is how to send their children to school and get a good life,” he said.
Kwankwaso also appealed to Christian leaders not to be overly concerned about Yahaya-Jingir’s comments, assuring them that his views did not represent those of the majority of northern Muslims.
“I want to appeal to the Christian leaders that that opinion is not the opinion of the majority of northern Muslims. I don’t think they should worry about themselves. We are in a position to handle the situation,” he said.
He urged political and religious leaders to avoid statements capable of inflaming religious sentiments, saying Nigeria needed unity and responsible leadership to overcome its current challenges.
Kwankwaso added that the country had moved beyond the period when religious slogans could easily mobilize large sections of the electorate, as Nigerians were increasingly demanding tangible improvements in their lives.
He called on Yahaya-Jingir to reconsider his position and promote messages that would foster peaceful coexistence rather than division.
The former governor stressed that Nigeria belongs equally to Muslims, Christians and other religious groups and that no section of the population should be made to feel excluded.
He said the overriding responsibility of political and religious leaders was to protect national unity and promote the welfare of all Nigerians.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to reject attempts to exploit religious differences for political advantage, saying meaningful development could only be achieved through unity and cooperation.
He added that northern Muslims should not be collectively associated with statements capable of undermining peaceful relations between communities and faiths.
NAN
