FFK rejects scholar's claim Nigeria is Muslim country, calls it provocative
Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahaya Jingir declared in a viral video that Nigeria is a Muslim country and urged anyone opposed to a Muslim‑Muslim presidential ticket to leave the nation. Former aviation minister and Nigerian ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani‑Kayode (FFK), rebutted the claim on his X handle, calling it unhelpful, untrue and highly provocative. He stressed that Nigeria is a secular, multi‑religious state with roughly equal numbers of Christians and Muslims, and that this diversity is a national strength.
The exchange has reignited debates over religion’s role in Nigerian politics as the 2027 election approaches. FFK argued that President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim‑Muslim ticket is gaining acceptance not because of the candidates’ faith but due to their competence, sincerity and electoral strength, adding that a Christian‑Christian ticket could emerge in the future. Religious leaders and citizens have expressed concern that such statements could deepen sectarian divides and affect social cohesion.
While no official sanctions have been announced, the incident highlights the need for leaders to avoid rhetoric that could be interpreted as exclusionary. Voters are urged to assess candidates based on policy proposals and track records rather than religious affiliation, and to promote dialogue that upholds Nigeria’s secular constitution.