A former governorship candidate in Imo State, Uche Nwosu, has condemned remarks by Plateau-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir describing opponents of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets as “infidels,” saying the comments risk fuelling religious tension.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Nwosu described Jingir’s words as divisive and urged religious leaders to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence instead.
Jingir made the comments at an event attended by All Progressives Congress governors, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi. He renewed his support for Muslim-Muslim tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, praised President Bola Tinubu for adopting the arrangement in 2023, and called on the audience to obtain Permanent Voter Cards.
“I urge all of us here to go and get our voters’ cards ready. Let’s show the infidels their limit, who claim they are more populous than us in Nigeria. They are lying!” Jingir said.
Nwosu said the statement was unacceptable and could undermine national unity. “Jingir’s utterances were capable of creating unnecessary religious tension and undermining efforts to promote unity, peace and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians,” he said.
“No religion should be used as a basis for insulting, demonising or degrading another faith. Such statements do not serve the interest of Nigeria and should be condemned by all well-meaning citizens.
“Nigeria is a diverse nation made up of people from different regions, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds who have continued to live and work together.”
He called on religious leaders to encourage mutual respect rather than deepen mistrust between Christians and Muslims, and urged the Federal Government to act where public statements threaten national cohesion or violate the law.
Nwosu also appealed to both faith communities to remain calm and reject division. “We must continue to recognise what unites us as Nigerians and reject anything capable of setting us against one another,” he said.
His reaction followed a similar condemnation by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who described the remarks as divisive.
The controversy centres on the APC’s 2023 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, which drew criticism from some Christian groups for insufficient religious balance. Supporters have argued that competence and voter choice should take priority. With the 2027 elections approaching, debate over the religious composition of tickets has resurfaced.
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