FFK fumes as Islamic scholar says those against Muslim-Muslim ticket should leave Nigeria
Nigerian Ambassador Refutes Claims of Nigeria as a Muslim Country
Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, has dismissed assertions made by Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahaya Jingir that Nigeria is exclusively a Muslim country.
In a widely circulated video, Sheikh Jingir addressed an audience of Muslims, stating, “If you don’t want to accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, you should leave Nigeria because it belongs to us.” His remarks have sparked significant backlash online, particularly among the Christian community, which has strongly rejected his claims.
In response to the controversy, Fani-Kayode issued a statement on his official X account on Sunday night, calling the cleric’s comments both “unhelpful and untrue.” He further described the statements as “provocative” and cautioned against the implications of such rhetoric.
“Kindly take note that it is a very slippery and dangerous slope to take and is best avoided. Nigeria is NOT a Muslim country and neither is she a Christian country. She is a SECULAR and MULTI-RELIGIOUS state comprising BOTH Christians and Muslims in equal numbers, and that is our strength,” Fani-Kayode stated.
The ambassador also addressed the upcoming 2027 elections, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket is gaining acceptance due to the qualifications and integrity of the candidates rather than their religious affiliations.
“One day we may have a Christian/Christian ticket too because with God all things are possible,” he added.
