The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has distanced himself from remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Sani Jingir, who advocated a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and made comments about Christians.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed personally by, said his position was rooted in the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and equal citizenship, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
“I, Dr Yunusa Tanko, a Muslim from Kano State, hereby dissociate myself from the statements attributed to Mallam Yahaya Sani Jingir condemning Christians in Nigeria or describing them as infidels, as well as his advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim ticket on the basis of religious identity,” he said.
The Obidient Movement coordinator said Nigeria belonged to all its citizens irrespective of faith or ethnicity, adding that competence, character and accountability not religion should guide political choices.
“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity. As Muslims, we believe in justice, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, competence, character, accountability, and equal citizenship,” he said.
Tanko also reaffirmed his backing for the proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket, describing it as his vision for a better Nigeria.
“I therefore affirm my support for the Peter Obi-Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ticket as a platform for a better Nigeria founded on competence, character, accountability, unity, and a better future for all Nigerians,” he said.
Tanko’s comments followed remarks attributed to Jingir, National Chairman of the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, who recently reiterated his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of 2027.
Jingir had described President Bola Tinubu as his “political hero” for introducing the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 and urged Muslims to rally behind similar arrangements in the next general election.
“I am among the staunch advocates of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and I call on you to come together for Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Jingir was quoted as saying, adding: “But as a Muslim, I repeat it, Muslim-Muslim! No going back on this.”
The cleric’s comments have sparked debate over the role of religion in Nigerian politics, with critics warning that such rhetoric risks deepening religious divisions in the country.
