Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Dr Ahmad Gumi, has called for religion to be kept out of partisan politics, saying religious sentiments should not be dragged into political contests in Nigeria.
Gumi made the call in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday while reacting to comments attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).
Jingir, at a mass wedding ceremony in Kano on Saturday, reportedly defended the APC Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and urged Muslims to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because the president chose a running mate with whom he shares the same Islamic faith.
His comments have drawn criticism from some Christian leaders, civil society groups and activists, who described them as divisive.
Gumi said JinAgir should be excused for his position on politics, arguing that the cleric operates in an environment where Islam faces what he described as excessive bigotry.
“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.
He also referred to a recent controversy involving a Muslim vice-chancellor in Plateau State, saying, “Just recently, a mere Muslim VC in Plateau State is stirring controversy.”
Gumi, however, said the use of religion for political purposes was not limited to one side of the political divide.
“On the other hand, the opposition is not also free from using religion to garner votes,” he said.
He urged political actors to avoid dragging religion into partisan political battles, stressing that Nigeria’s religious diversity should be respected.
“In a multi-religious entity, religion should not be dragged into the quagmire of dirty politics,” Gumi said.
Plateau JNI distances self from Jingir
Meanwhile, the Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has distanced itself from comments attributed to Jingir on the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
The clarification followed a report credited to the group’s media aide, Abdulsalam Ahamed, claiming that JNI Plateau supported Jingir’s position.
In a statement, JNI Plateau Publicity Secretary, Gambo Hamza, described the report as fake and misleading.
“The Plateau State Chapter of JNI wishes to state categorically that the said publication and the statement attributed to the organisation are fake, unfounded and do not represent the position of JNI Plateau State,” he said.
Hamza said while Jingir was entitled to his personal views, such positions should not be presented as the official position of JNI.
He said the organisation promotes peace, unity, religious understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
“Consequently, JNI Plateau State neither endorsed nor authorised any statement purporting to support Sheikh Jingir ‘100 per cent’ in relation to the Muslim-Muslim ticket or any other partisan political position,” he said.
The group urged security agencies to investigate the alleged false representation and prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.
Kwankwaso reacts
Former Kano State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also expressed concern over Jingir’s comments.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday, Kwankwaso said statements capable of promoting division should be discouraged, particularly when made by influential religious leaders.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he wrote.
He urged political and religious leaders to uphold truth, promote unity and advance reconciliation in the country.
Daily Trust
