MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET: LAWYER WARNS CLERIC AGAINST FUELLING RELIGIOUS TENSION

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has criticised Sheikh Yahya Jingir over his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, warning that such political positions could heighten religious tension in Nigeria.
Adeyanju expressed concern that religious leaders should be careful about statements that could deepen existing divisions between Christians and Muslims, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
The lawyer argued that Nigeria’s religious diversity requires political leaders and clerics to promote tolerance, unity, and peaceful coexistence rather than encourage narratives that could create suspicion among different faith communities.
His reaction followed comments by Sheikh Jingir in support of the possibility of another Muslim-Muslim ticket, a position that has continued to generate debate among political and religious stakeholders.
Adeyanju warned that political competition should not be allowed to turn into a religious contest, stressing that Nigerians should be able to participate in politics without being pressured to vote along religious lines.
He urged clerics across the country’s major faiths to use their influence responsibly and promote messages that strengthen national unity.
The lawyer also called on politicians to focus on issues such as insecurity, unemployment, poverty, economic hardship, and good governance rather than exploiting religious sentiments for political advantage.
The debate over religious balancing in presidential tickets has remained a sensitive issue in Nigeria, with supporters and opponents offering different arguments over whether political parties should consider religious representation when selecting their candidates.