Keep Religion Out of Nigeria's 'Dirty Politics,' Gumi Tells Jingir - Newstrends
Connect with us

Politics

Keep Religion Out of Nigeria’s ‘Dirty Politics,’ Gumi Tells Jingir

Published

1 month ago

on

Keep Religion Out of Nigeria's 'Dirty Politics,' Gumi Tells Jingir

Keep Religion Out of Nigeria’s ‘Dirty Politics,’ Gumi Tells Jingir

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has waded into the growing controversy over the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, defending his colleague Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir while urging all political actors to keep religion out of what he described as Nigeria’s “dirty politics.” Gumi’s intervention comes as Jingir’s recent remarks—in which he advocated for continued Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 elections and reportedly referred to Christians as “infidels”—have sparked widespread condemnation from Christian leaders, civil society groups, and politicians across party lines.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Gumi argued that Jingir should be “excused” for what he described as an “extreme view in politics,” attributing the cleric’s position to his environment. “Sheikh Jingir should be excused for his extreme view in politics; he dwells in the eye of the storm of excessive bigotry against Islam,” Gumi wrote. Gumi, however, noted that the exploitation of religion for political purposes is not exclusive to one side of the political divide. He pointed to a recent controversy involving a Muslim vice-chancellor in Plateau State as evidence that the opposition also uses religion to garner votes. “Just recently, a mere Muslim VC in Plateau State is stirring controversy. On the other hand, the opposition is not also free from using religion to garner votes,” he said. Gumi urged politicians and religious leaders to keep religion out of partisan contests, emphasising Nigeria’s religious diversity. “In a multi-religious entity, religion should not be dragged into the quagmire of dirty politics,” he added.

The Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has distanced itself from comments attributed to Jingir, describing a viral statement claiming the organisation’s “100 per cent” support for the cleric as fake and misleading. In a statement, JNI Plateau Publicity Secretary, Gambo Hamza, clarified that while Jingir is entitled to personal views, such positions should not be presented as the official stance of the organisation. “JNI Plateau State neither endorsed nor authorised any statement purporting to support Sheikh Jingir ‘100%’ in relation to the Muslim-Muslim ticket or any other partisan political position,” Hamza said. The organisation urged security agencies to investigate the source of the false publication, warning that it could fuel religious tension in Plateau State, which has a history of ethno-religious conflicts. JNI also clarified that it has no official position designated as “Special Adviser on New Media” and no official named Abdulsalam Ahmad, who was reportedly associated with the disputed statement.

READ ALSO:

Former Kano State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also condemned Jingir’s remarks. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso expressed deep concern over the cleric’s comments, which reportedly included a warning that those who oppose a Muslim-Muslim ticket should leave Nigeria because the country belongs to Muslims. “Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” Kwankwaso wrote. He urged political and religious leaders to uphold truth, promote unity, and advance reconciliation, adding that the 2027 elections would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration. “The 2027 general elections will be an opportunity for Nigerians to reward good governance with resounding support and to reject poor performance at the polls. This administration has earned the latter,” he said.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, warned that Jingir’s comments could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances in 2027 by alienating Christian voters. Fani-Kayode, in a Facebook post, said he received more than 100 calls and messages from concerned Christians and Muslims following the publication of Jingir’s remarks. “Jingir is not only feeding into that false narrative with his reckless words, but he is also endangering the chances of our candidates in the 2027 presidential election because in order for us to win, we need BOTH Muslim AND Christian votes,” he said. He stressed that Jingir’s views were not representative of the APC or the majority of Nigerian Muslims. “Jingir does not represent the feelings of the APC and neither does he speak for us. He only speaks for himself,” Fani-Kayode said. He called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite and caution the cleric over his comments.

Reverend Dr Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, criticised three governors who were present when Jingir made the remarks, accusing them of smiling rather than condemning the comments. “When we cry out that we are being persecuted, when we cry out that there is a deliberate attempt to dominate us, people say, ‘No, this isn’t true.’ Today we have it—the man didn’t just say it in his room. He said it in the presence of three governors, and they were all smiling,” Hayab said. He argued that the governors should have immediately rebuked and rejected the remarks rather than appearing to approve them.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, also condemned Jingir’s comments, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into “a dangerous form of religious majoritarianism.” Dalung questioned the wisdom of reducing Nigeria’s complex political and socioeconomic problems to a religious headcount. “A Muslim-Muslim ticket does not put food on a Muslim family’s table, secure communities from kidnappers, create jobs, or repair the country’s collapsing infrastructure,” he said. He insisted that supporters of a Muslim-Muslim ticket should defend it on measurable issues such as competence, security, justice, economic growth, and good governance—not religious identity.

Keep Religion Out of Nigeria’s ‘Dirty Politics,’ Gumi Tells Jingir

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

Politics

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

Published

2 hours ago

on

September 16, 2026

By

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

Student leaders from tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, promising to mobilise students across campuses in support of his candidacy.

The declaration was made in Kaduna at the inauguration of the Students’ Wing of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a support group created to coordinate student mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The organisers said the students’ position was influenced by policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, particularly in education, student financing, skills development and youth empowerment.

The coordinator of the A4A Students’ Wing and President of the Bayero University Kano Students’ Union Government, Abdulmudallib Sheriff, said the students’ support was intended to translate into an organised mobilisation network rather than remain a symbolic declaration.

Sheriff cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) among the federal government programmes that informed the students’ position, saying the scheme had provided financial support to students facing difficulties funding their tertiary education.

He also pointed to government initiatives in technical and vocational education, skills acquisition and youth development as areas the student leaders considered relevant to young Nigerians.

According to the organisers, the A4A Students’ Wing plans to build a coordinated structure capable of reaching students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the northern region.

The Kaduna inauguration was attended by student union leaders and representatives of tertiary institutions from different parts of Northern Nigeria.

READ ALSO:

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who addressed the gathering, urged the student leaders to base their political engagement on policies and verifiable records rather than personal attacks against political opponents.

Sani highlighted areas including education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and technical and vocational education, while drawing attention to programmes such as NELFUND and federal TVET initiatives.

The student endorsement comes amid increasing political mobilisation across Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.

Several groups in the region have recently announced support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, including organisations representing Muslim women scholars, preachers and Da’wah leaders. Other groups representing communities and youth interests in the North have also held meetings and launched mobilisation activities ahead of the election.

A separate group representing Igbos living in the 19 northern states and the FCT has also expressed support for Tinubu and pledged to mobilise voters for his re-election.

The growing activity reflects efforts by political support groups to build grassroots structures well ahead of the 2027 poll, with youth and student voters expected to remain an important constituency for political parties and candidates.

The Tinubu administration has made NELFUND one of its prominent education initiatives. The programme provides loans and related financial assistance to eligible Nigerian students in tertiary institutions, with the government presenting it as part of efforts to reduce financial barriers to higher education.

The administration has also promoted technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as part of its broader youth skills-development agenda.

However, the endorsement announced in Kaduna represents the position of the participating student leaders and organisations. It does not necessarily reflect the views of all students, tertiary institutions or young people across Northern Nigeria.

The political development also comes as opposition groups and presidential aspirants intensify their own mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition political actors are building structures across the country, while presidential contenders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are also seeking support ahead of the election.

The student leaders backing Tinubu said their immediate focus would be to extend the A4A Students’ Wing to more campuses and strengthen its mobilisation network across the North.

Their declaration adds to the growing series of political endorsements and campaign activities taking place ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as competing political groups seek to attract young voters and build support at the grassroots.

Ultimately, the endorsement remains a declaration by the participating student organisations, while individual voters will make their choices through the electoral process.

2027: Northern Students Back Tinubu, Pledge Campus-to-Campus Mobilisation

Loading

Continue Reading

Politics

2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit

Published

2 hours ago

on

September 16, 2026

By

2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit
President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar

2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar seven days to serve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a suit challenging his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order after granting an application for substituted service, allowing Atiku and the ADC to serve the President through his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1888/2026, was instituted by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Atiku is asking the court to determine whether Tinubu is qualified to participate in the 2027 presidential election based on allegations concerning an NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted to INEC.

According to the plaintiffs, the disputed certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which they contend raises questions about its authenticity and its connection with the President. Atiku’s case also alleges that the document was presented to INEC as genuine and raises questions about information contained in the electoral documents submitted by Tinubu.

The allegations remain claims before the court and have not been established by a final judgment.

READ ALSO:

The plaintiffs are relying on provisions of the 1999 Constitution relating to the presentation of forged certificates to INEC. They are seeking, among other reliefs, orders that would prevent Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election on the basis of the allegations contained in the suit.

The latest ruling followed a procedural dispute over how the President should be served with the court processes.

When the matter came up earlier in September, Atiku’s lawyers told the court that they had been unable to personally serve Tinubu. Although counsel representing Tinubu indicated that he was prepared to accept service on behalf of his client, the plaintiffs declined, saying they wanted to avoid possible technical objections concerning the validity of service at a later stage.

The court subsequently allowed the issue to be addressed through substituted service.

Justice Ekwo had earlier adjourned proceedings to September 28 following the service dispute. The judge also warned lawyers involved in the case against discussing the matter in the traditional or social media, directing that arguments concerning the case should be presented in court.

Meanwhile, Tinubu and the APC have rejected the allegations and asked the Federal High Court to dismiss the suit.

In their response, the President and the APC denied that Tinubu submitted a forged certificate to INEC for either the 2023 or 2027 presidential elections. They also questioned the legal foundation of Atiku and the ADC’s action and raised preliminary objections to the case.

The defendants have argued that the disputed certificate has not been established as forged and that the NYSC has not disowned the document at the centre of the controversy.

They have therefore urged the court to dismiss the suit rather than proceed to the substantive claims.

INEC has also challenged Atiku’s case and opposed aspects of the plaintiffs’ application to amend their suit. The electoral commission has raised procedural and legal objections, including arguments concerning the competence of the action and the plaintiffs’ standing.

The case has consequently developed into a series of preliminary procedural and legal disputes even before the court determines the central allegations surrounding the disputed NYSC certificate.

Atiku and the ADC maintain that the alleged certificate and information submitted to INEC raise constitutional questions concerning Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election.

Tinubu and the APC, however, deny the allegations and are seeking the dismissal of the case, while INEC has also opposed the action.

The Federal High Court’s latest decision is limited to the method and timeframe for serving Tinubu with the court processes.

It does not constitute a ruling that Tinubu is ineligible to contest the 2027 election, nor does it establish that the disputed NYSC certificate is forged.

The substantive claims, alongside the objections raised by Tinubu, the APC and INEC, remain before the court for determination.

2027: Court Gives Atiku Seven Days to Serve Tinubu Through APC in Eligibility Suit

Loading

Continue Reading

Politics

“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors

Published

8 hours ago

on

September 16, 2026

By

Osun Poll: Fayose Says Federal Might Could Have Swayed Result If Deployed
“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors

On Channels Television, the former Ekiti governor says tensions over the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ will not hurt President Tinubu’s 2027 prospects.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has weighed in on the sharp exchange between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, characterizing the disagreement as a battle of individual egos rather than a genuine threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

Speaking Tuesday night during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose noted that public friction often surfaces when assertive leaders navigate complex multi-party arrangements.

The spat erupted after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking for the APC Governors’ Forum, announced that party executives would reject any outside alliance or coalition capable of diluting the party’s strength or challenging its candidates in upcoming elections.

Wike responded swiftly during a televised broadcast, describing the governors as politically lazy and clarifying that his “Rainbow Coalition” was created specifically to mobilize cross-party votes for the president rather than fight local battles on behalf of state governors.

Addressing the controversy, Fayose remarked that everyday Nigerians understand Wike’s outspoken personality just as they understand the institutional posture of the Governors’ Forum.

He insisted that the rhetorical crossfire has no direct bearing on the president’s electoral fortunes, observing that political leaders across the spectrum possess strong personal pride that occasionally spills into public view. Fayose maintained that practical grassroots voter mobilization will ultimately outweigh public posturing as the 2027 race draws nearer.

 

“Clash of Egos”: Ayo Fayose Downplays Public Feud Between Wike and APC Governors

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending