ABUJA — Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned comments attributed to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, at an event in Kano, describing them as divisive and capable of worsening religious tensions in the country.
Fani-Kayode, in a statement reacting to the cleric’s remarks on Facebook, said he had received calls and messages from Christians and Muslims expressing concern over the comments.
He also criticised the reported reaction of the Kano State Governor, saying he was saddened to see the governor allegedly cheering and celebrating the cleric’s remarks.
According to Fani-Kayode, matters of faith should not be sacrificed for political interests, warning that divisive rhetoric could have consequences for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He said: “We will not keep quiet and watch our faith being dragged all over the floor because of politics. Matters of faith and salvation are far more important than anything we see or get in this world.”
Fani-Kayode argued that Nigeria’s religious diversity required restraint and mutual respect, stressing that political parties seeking national support must avoid rhetoric that could alienate sections of the electorate.
He said the remarks attributed to Jingir could provide ammunition for the opposition and undermine the chances of candidates seeking support from both Christian and Muslim voters in 2027.
Fani-Kayode further stated that Jingir did not represent the official position of the APC or the views of the majority of Nigerian Muslims, adding that the cleric should be cautioned against making statements capable of inflaming religious sentiments.
He also rejected the description of Nigeria as a Muslim country, saying the country is a secular and multi-religious state comprising Christians and Muslims.
According to him, the decision of some political actors to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket should be based on the competence, character, capacity and electoral strength of the candidates rather than their religious affiliations.
Fani-Kayode said Nigerians should focus on issues, policies and personalities rather than religion in choosing political leaders.
He urged Jingir to apologise to Christians and the Church in Nigeria and called on him to embrace what he described as “the path of peace, civility and reconciliation.”
Fani-Kayode also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to invite and caution the cleric, saying inflammatory rhetoric should not be allowed to escalate religious tensions in the country.
He said Nigerians, regardless of their faith, should respect one another and work towards peaceful coexistence.
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