Islamic cleric, Dr Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding recent comments by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir on religion and politics in Nigeria.
Gumi, in a statement published on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, said Jingir’s position should be viewed within the context of what he described as growing religious tension and increasing hostility towards Islam.
The cleric, however, warned against allowing religion to become a tool for political competition and mobilisation in the country.
“Jingir should be excused for his extreme view in politics, he dwells in the eye of the storm of excessive bigotry against Islam,” Gumi stated.
He added that recent controversies, including the reaction to the appointment of a Muslim Vice-Chancellor in Plateau State, showed the sensitivity surrounding religious issues in the country.
“On the other hand, the opposition is not also free from using religion to garner votes,” he said.
Gumi stressed that Nigeria’s multi-religious character requires political actors to exercise caution in handling religious matters.
“In a multi-religious entity, religion should not be dragged into the quagmire of dirty politics,” he warned.
His comments came amid renewed debate over Jingir’s support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jingir has defended the political arrangement, arguing that political choices should be based on considerations beyond religious affiliation. His position has, however, attracted criticism from individuals and groups who fear that continued emphasis on religion could deepen existing divisions.
Gumi said religious sentiments were being exploited by different political interests, noting that both the ruling side and opposition politicians could be guilty of using religion to strengthen their electoral support.
The cleric called for greater emphasis on leadership, good governance and the national interest, rather than allowing religious identity to become the primary factor in political decisions and electoral choices.
He maintained that politicians and religious leaders must avoid actions capable of worsening religious tensions and instead promote unity in Nigeria’s diverse society.
