I Don’t Dislike Christians, Sheikh Jingir Clarifies Controversial Remarks

Chairman of the Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has denied harbouring hatred for Christians, saying his recent remarks that sparked controversy were misinterpreted.

Jingir came under criticism following comments he made at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, with some Nigerians accusing him of making statements capable of deepening religious division.

But speaking on Sunday at a one-day national symposium in Jos, Plateau State, the cleric said his comments were not directed against Christians or people of other faiths.

The symposium, themed “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” focused on political participation, justice and national cohesion.

“A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn’t say I dislike Christians. It is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted,” Jingir said.

He explained that Islamic teachings did not permit Muslims to discriminate against people of other faiths, stressing that leadership should be anchored on justice, fairness and respect for all.

“Leadership in Islam is not about cheating people of different faiths. Islam teaches us to share love with people of different faiths or sects,” he said.

Jingir further said Muslims would be accountable before God for any injustice committed against non-Muslims, adding that the Prophet Muhammad lived peacefully with people of other faiths.

The cleric urged Nigerians to draw from the example and promote peaceful coexistence rather than allow religious differences to become a source of conflict.

He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and other political leaders to govern with fairness, regardless of the religious, ethnic or political affiliations of those under their authority.

Jingir specifically urged Tinubu not to discriminate against Nigerians who do not belong to the same political party as the President.

“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 JIBWIS chairman also stressed that Nigerians had the right to determine who they supported during elections, saying political choices should be left to individuals.

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

He urged Nigerians to place national unity and peaceful coexistence above religious and ethnic differences, warning that development could not thrive in an environment characterised by insecurity and division.

“Without peace, there will be no development,” Jingir said, calling on Nigerians to work collectively towards building a peaceful society where people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds can live together.

His clarification comes amid renewed debate over the role of religion in Nigeria’s politics, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political and religious leaders increasingly being urged to avoid rhetoric capable of aggravating existing divisions.