Islamic cleric Sani Jingir claims he has no regrets about his recent remarks supporting a Muslim-Muslim ticket in Nigeria.
At a mass wedding for 1,500 couples hosted by the Kano state government, the cleric made the remarks.
While addressing the gathering, Jingir urged Muslims to “vote in a manner that would reflect their numerical strength in the country”.
However, speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, Jingir, said he stood by his remarks and “would not apologise for them”.
“I have absolutely no regrets. I stand firmly by my words and will never apologise. I will continue to advocate for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.”
“I am not campaigning for Bola Tinubu, I am campaigning for my religion,” he said.
“As I have stated before, my advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure is not about Tinubu or Muhammadu Buhari. It is strictly for the sake of Allah.
“My additional perspective is that today’s world is filled with propaganda, which fails to let people truly understand the situation they are in. The preaching podium is a sacred space meant for education.”
He said his call was for Muslims to support a “righteous and better Muslim.”
“If you know you are speaking the truth, you must never allow public criticism to discourage you, which is why I continuously emphasise this message.”
“I have already mentally prepared for the backlash. Whatever they say about me, I am fully ready to face it.
“My words carry no harm. I explicitly stated that people are free to vote for whoever they want, while I will personally do what aligns with my beliefs.”
“I swear that I have received immense support from the Muslim community. A vast majority of Muslims agree with this stance.”
“Look at what happened during my address in Kano. I asked the crowd if they stood with Islamic principles, and they overwhelmingly responded in the affirmative.”
Despite the current reality of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in leadership, many people continue to suffer, highlighting that political choices alone do not solve societal issues. It is crucial for us to remember that division only weakens our nation. Christians and Muslims should strive to live together in peace, unity, and mutual understanding. Ultimately, we are one people with a shared future, and harmony among us is the true path to progress and stability.
