The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned recent remarks by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, urging Nigerians to sustain Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jingir reportedly made the remarks at a mass wedding ceremony in Kano attended by prominent political leaders, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, where he called on Muslims to “show the infidels their limit.”
The remarks, which were captured on video and circulated widely, have sparked concerns over the growing use of religious rhetoric in Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said Jingir’s comments did not represent the views of the majority of Nigerian Muslims.
CHRICED argued that many Nigerians, including Muslims in the northern part of the country, were already facing severe economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges.
The organisation described as reckless and insensitive any attempt to use religion to encourage Nigerians to support a political arrangement while millions of citizens continue to struggle with poverty, insecurity and other challenges.
It also faulted the description of fellow Nigerians as “infidels,” arguing that such language was inconsistent with the principles of peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
According to the group, “Islam promotes peace, mercy and the protection of fellow human beings,” stressing that religious teachings should not be used to incite hostility or demean citizens of other faiths.
CHRICED reaffirmed the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of religion, belief, association and political participation, but warned that such rights should not be used to promote religious supremacy, exclusion or the dehumanisation of citizens.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s political leadership should be based on competence, integrity, accountability and service rather than religious identity.
CHRICED also expressed concern over what it described as the failure of political leaders who attended the Kano event to publicly condemn the controversial remarks. It noted that the silence of political leaders in the face of divisive rhetoric could give dangerous statements an appearance of legitimacy.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group warned that the escalation of inflammatory religious rhetoric could set a dangerous precedent, urging political leaders across party and religious lines to publicly reject religious exclusion and inflammatory statements.
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The organisation urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement against hate speech and religious incitement while respecting constitutional freedoms. It also called on security and law enforcement agencies to monitor statements capable of undermining public peace.
CHRICED appealed to Nigerians to reject attempts to divide the country along religious lines and demand leadership based on credibility, competence, accountability and service.
“As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, CHRICED urges all stakeholders to act with restraint, responsibility and patriotism. No religion owns Nigeria, and no Nigerian should ever be made to feel inferior or alienated because of their faith,” the statement added.
CHRICED said Nigeria needed political and religious leaders who would build bridges among citizens rather than widen existing divisions.
