Wisdom Chukwuemeziem Ekete, human rights advocate, has vehemently condemned what he described as inflammatory religious remark capable of deepening distrust and tension between Christians and Muslims.
He warned that Nigeria must not allow religious extremism to undermine its unity.
Though, the condemnation is coming after prominent Islamic cleric, Sani Jingir declared support for Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket after his controversial remarks in Kano ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Recall that while speaking in Hausa, the Islamic cleric affirmed his readiness to keep supporting the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027 as he did in 2023.
“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam,” Mr Jingir said.
“I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again.”
He also described Nigeria as a Muslim-majority country and criticised those who reject his claim.
“I know this statement pains the unbelievers,” he said.
“I am a Muslim who preaches Islam. If I say Muslim-Muslim, what have I taken away from them?”
He urged Muslims to vote in large numbers, saying the outcome would demonstrate their numerical strength in the country.
“So, here I am calling on you, please, everyone should get their votes ready,” he said, referring to the voter’s card.
“Let us show the world that those unbelievers who claim they outnumber us in Nigeria are lying.”
“When the votes were counted, Allah helped us, and we defeated them,” he said, referring to the APC’s 2023 presidential election victory.
He subsequently reiterated his support for the same political arrangement in 2027.
“My vote is for Islam,” he told the gathering.
“What about the votes of Muslim people?” he asked, prompting the audience to respond: “It is for Muslims.”
But Ekete in a statement made available to Diaspora Digital Media, called on Christians to remain firm in defending their faith and constitutional rights, while making it clear that such a position should never be interpreted as hostility towards Muslims or Islam.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, Muslims and Christians. ISIS and Boko Haram cannot force us out of Nigeria, and neither should the inflammatory rhetoric of any religious leader make Christians feel unwelcome in their own country,” Ekete said.
Also, Ekete noted that the Islamic cleric’s statement could further aggravate Nigeria’s already sensitive religious environment.
He said religious leaders, regardless of their faith, have a responsibility to promote peace, tolerance and national cohesion because their words can influence millions of followers.
He therefore urged the government and relevant authorities to pay close attention to statements capable of provoking religious hostility and to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys equal protection under the law.
“It is unfortunate that Christians are increasingly concerned about attacks and rhetoric directed at their faith. But our response must be guided by courage, wisdom and the law. We must defend our faith without becoming what we condemn,” he said.
Ekete also questioned whether inflammatory religious rhetoric could be exploited for political purposes, particularly against the background of concerns surrounding Nigeria’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
He stressed that Christians should not allow political differences to turn them against their Muslim compatriots, noting that Christians and Muslims occupy positions of responsibility across Nigeria’s political institutions.
“What we must resist is any attempt to use religion as a weapon for political mobilisation or social division. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, and every citizen—Christian or Muslim—is entitled to equal rights and protection,” he said.
Ekete warned against complacency among Nigerian Christians, urging them to become more conscious of issues affecting religious freedom, national security and the future of their communities.
He also called on Christian youths to participate actively in civic and democratic processes rather than retreating from public affairs.
“Christians must be vigilant, but our vigilance must be responsible. We must use the law, democratic institutions, education and peaceful civic engagement to protect our rights and our faith,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria cannot afford a situation in which provocative religious statements are allowed to deepen the divide between its two major faith communities.
He urged both Christian and Muslim leaders to reject extremism and work towards a country where religious differences do not determine who belongs or who deserves protection.
“Nigeria must never become a battleground between religions. We will defend our faith, but we will also defend the right of every Nigerian to practise his or her faith freely. Our strength must come from unity, constitutional rights and peaceful action—not violence,” Ekete said.
