Sheikh Muhammad Sani-Jingir, an Islamic cleric, says his position on the Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections is his personal opinion.
Jingir stated this on Tuesday in Kano while reacting to the backlash that trailed his earlier comments on the issue.
He said he had the right to express his opinion, associate with others and exercise his franchise, adding that his principle was that Muslims should trust Muslims.
“It is my personal opinion because I have the right to express my opinion. I also have the right of association and to express my franchise.
“Secondly, my principle is that Muslims should trust Muslims,” he said.
The cleric clarified that his call for a Muslim-Muslim ticket was not specifically in support of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, but for Muslims he considered just.
“My Muslim-Muslim call is not Bola Tinubu nor Kashim Shettima, but Muslims who are just,” he said.
Jingir said he only encouraged those who shared his views on the issue to vote for Muslim-Muslim candidates, stressing that he was not compelling anyone to do so.
“I only call on those who shared the same view with me on Muslim-Muslim ticket to vote Muslim-Muslim candidate, but not compelling the people that they must vote Muslim-Muslim,” he said.
He described as false claims that he had asked Muslims not to vote for Christian candidates.
“Those saying I said they should not vote Christians, they are liars and they lied against me,” he said.
Jingir said his past actions demonstrated that he did not preach religious division, citing his support for the election of Christian governors in Benue and Plateau states.
He added that he had also supported the appointment of non-Muslims as ministers and into other positions.
“I supported the election of Christians as governor in Benue and Plateau and I supported appointment of ministers and others who are not Muslims.
“I maintain my stand on Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.