According to a report by Nigerian Tribune, on Monday, August 10, 2026, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has cautioned that recent comments made by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, in favour of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket could negatively affect President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.
Fani-Kayode expressed concern that Jingir’s position could create tension among Christian voters and provide the opposition with an opportunity to use religious issues against the Tinubu administration as the country prepares for the next general election.
The former Minister of Aviation made his position known in a Facebook post on Monday while reacting to comments attributed to Jingir during an event in Kano.
At the gathering, the Islamic cleric reportedly advocated for the continued use of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets and openly described himself as a strong supporter of the arrangement.
Fani-Kayode disclosed that the comments had generated reactions from members of both major religious groups in the country.
According to him, he received more than 100 calls and messages from Christians and Muslims who expressed concern over Jingir’s remarks after they became public.
He particularly expressed disappointment over the reported reaction of the Kano State Governor, whom he described as his friend and brother.
Fani-Kayode said the governor’s decision to cheer and celebrate Jingir’s remarks was even more troubling to him than the cleric’s statement itself.
Fani-Kayode further warned politicians and religious leaders against using matters of faith as tools for political mobilisation.
He argued that religious beliefs should be treated with sensitivity, particularly in a country where religious issues have historically generated strong reactions and tensions.
According to him, political ambitions should not be allowed to interfere with matters that concern people’s faith and salvation.
He maintained that political positions and influence are temporary, while religious beliefs and the consequences of the afterlife are matters of lasting importance.
The ambassador-designate also warned that statements capable of deepening religious divisions could have wider implications for Nigeria, especially at a time when the country is facing international scrutiny over allegations of religious persecution.
Fani-Kayode said the situation required greater caution from political leaders and influential religious figures.
He argued that comments suggesting religious dominance could reinforce allegations being made by some groups outside Nigeria and could further complicate the country’s image internationally.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s large Christian population, stressing that political and religious leaders should consider the possible consequences of statements that could make members of the Christian community feel excluded or threatened.
He said, “You do not talk like that in a country with over 120 million Christians."
Fani-Kayode added that the situation was particularly sensitive because Nigeria was already being accused in some quarters, including by some American figures, of failing to protect Christians from persecution.
The former minister maintained that the country’s political leaders should avoid rhetoric capable of increasing religious suspicion as preparations for the 2027 election continue.
He stressed that political competition should not be allowed to turn religious differences into a source of further division.
His reaction comes as political activities and discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential election continue to intensify, with issues of religion, political alliances and the choice of presidential and vice-presidential candidates expected to remain important subjects of debate.
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