Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has described as “highly provocative” comments by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Jingir, in support of the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets.
Jingir had urged Muslims to support Muslim-Muslim candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying there should be “no going back” on the arrangement.
Speaking at an event attended by some All Progressives Congress governors, the cleric also urged Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and mobilise for the elections.
Reacting in a post on X on Sunday, Fani-Kayode said he respected Jingir but warned that the cleric’s comments amounted to extremist rhetoric that could be divisive and dangerous.
Fani-Kayode said Nigeria was neither a Muslim nor Christian country but a secular and multi religious state.
He said his support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027 was based on the competence, character, integrity and electoral strength of the candidates, rather than their religion.
The former minister urged Nigerians to prioritise issues, policies and the qualities of candidates, saying citizens should remain united regardless of their religious differences.
