A leading Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that his administration upholds justice and fairness for all Nigerians, regardless of religion or political affiliation.
Sheikh Jingir made the remarks at a One-Day National Symposium themed “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” held Sunday at the Sadeeqa Event Centre in Jos.He reiterated that his support for the Muslim–Muslim presidential ticket was not driven by religious sentiment, stressing that political choices should never be mistaken for hostility toward other faiths.
“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to cheat non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I also call on you not to cheat those who are not in the same political party with you. You should lead with justice and fairness to all Nigerians,” he said.The cleric emphasized that every citizen has the constitutional right to vote for any candidate of their choice, noting that he has previously voted across religious lines when he believed a candidate would govern equitably.
He recalled supporting a non-Muslim candidate in a past Plateau State governorship election because he believed the candidate would treat all groups fairly. Conversely, he declined to support another candidate in 2007 after observing that the candidate’s entourage lacked Muslim representation, raising concerns about inclusiveness in future governance.
According to him, political leadership must reflect fairness, justice and broad representation, while citizens should remain free to exercise their democratic rights without fear or prejudice.Sheikh Jingir’s comments add to ongoing national conversations about equity, inclusion and religious tolerance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
