Renowned Islamic scholar and National Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has firmly declared that he has no regrets over his recent public endorsement of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for Nigeria.
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Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa monitored in Kaduna on Wednesday morning, August 12, 2026, Sheikh Jingir maintained that his endorsement was rooted in his religious obligation rather than political ambition.
​Addressing newsmen and followers during a press briefing on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the JIBWIS National Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, the cleric stated that his declaration was rooted in demographic facts and political strategy, dismissing criticisms trailing his remarks.
​During the address, Sheikh Jingir maintained that political calculations in a democracy naturally rely on numerical strength, asserting that the continuation of a same-faith political architecture reflects demographic reality.
​”I have no regret whatsoever regarding my endorsement of the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Democracy is a game of numbers and political strategy. Our stance remains firm, and we will continue to support leadership that aligns with our vision for political continuity and stability,” Sheikh Jingir stated.
His original remarks were made during a mass wedding ceremony organized by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, where he first publicly called on Muslims to unite behind the ticket after President Tinubu “raised the flag” of the Muslim-Muslim arrangement.
​The cleric’s remarks have sparked renewed debate across the country. While critics have labeled his statement as divisive ahead of upcoming political cycles, supporters defend his position as a exercise of religious conviction and political free speech.
He argued that the success of a same-faith executive ticket demonstrates Muslim population strength in Nigeria and urged political actors to sustain the model ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​Sheikh Jingir’s comments have drawn sharp criticism across various political and religious divides: Representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the remarks as divisive, warning that hyper-fixating on religious dominance threatens national cohesion and peace.
Prominent civil society organizations and southern Islamic scholars, including representatives from the Yoruba Muslim Community disassociated themselves from the statement, emphasizing that governance should prioritize competence, justice, and equitable representation over sectarian dominance.
Media analysts on national broadcasts have noted that statements reinforcing religious polarization could heighten ethno-religious tensions as political parties prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle.
​Despite the outcry, media spokesperson Malam Ahmad Ashiru reinforced that the Izala Movement remains unwavering in its guidance to its millions of followers across West Africa, maintaining that faith leaders have a duty to provide clear political orientation to their constituencies ahead of upcoming national elections.
