I don’t hate Christians, Sheikh Jingir denies anti-Christian claims

The chairman of Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has rejected claims that he is hostile towards Christians, insisting that his recent remarks were misinterpreted and did not amount to an expression of hatred.

Jingir came under criticism after comments he made at a Kano State Government-sponsored mass wedding involving 1,500 couples were interpreted by some Nigerians as religiously divisive. His remarks also triggered a wider debate over the place of religion in Nigeria’s politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

But speaking at a one-day national symposium in Jos, Plateau State, themed “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” the Islamic cleric sought to draw a line between his political position and any suggestion that he despises Christians. 

“A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn’t say I dislike Christians—it is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted.”

He added: “Leadership in Islam is not about cheating people of different faiths. Islam teaches us to share love with people of different faiths or sects.”

The clarification comes amid continued public discussion of Jingir’s earlier support for the APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and his reported appeal to Muslims to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Those remarks had prompted criticism from some religious and political voices, including Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who called for religion to be kept out of partisan politics.

‘Do not cheat Muslims or non-Muslims’

Jingir's latest intervention went beyond defending himself.

He argued that Islamic principles require justice and fairness towards everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, and said Muslims would be accountable for any injustice committed against non-Muslims.

He also pointed to the example of Prophet Muhammad’s peaceful relations with people of other faiths as a basis for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

From that position, he turned his attention to those governing the country, urging President Tinubu, state governors and other political leaders to put fairness above religious, ethnic or partisan considerations.

“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.

Jingir also stressed that political allegiance should remain a matter of individual choice.

“Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election.”

According to Blueprint, Jingir went further by recalling that he had previously voted for a Christian candidate in a Plateau State governorship election because he believed the candidate would govern fairly.

From religious controversy to a call for unity

The cleric's remarks appear aimed at reframing the controversy around his earlier comments: that supporting a particular political arrangement should not automatically be interpreted as hostility towards Nigerians of another faith.

The timing is significant.

Nigeria is already entering an increasingly political period ahead of the 2027 general elections, with questions about religion, regional identity and political alliances expected to remain prominent.

Jingir's latest message was therefore less about defending a political ticket and more about insisting that whichever political leaders emerge must govern everyone fairly.

He called on Nigerians to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence, warning that insecurity and division would undermine any attempt to achieve meaningful national development.

His message was blunt: “Without peace, there will be no development.”

For Jingir, the distinction is therefore clear: political preference is not religious hatred, and political leadership must not become an excuse for discrimination.

Whether his clarification settles the controversy surrounding his earlier comments remains to be seen, but his latest intervention places justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence at the centre of his public message.