Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, chairman of the Council of Ulama of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Jos Zone, has clarified that his recent call for Nigerians to support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2027 was his personal opinion and not the position of the organisation.

Jingir made the clarification on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Kano following widespread criticism of his earlier comments.

The cleric had called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for another term in 2027, backing the continuation of the same-faith ticket that generated significant debate during the 2023 presidential election.

His comments attracted reactions from Christian leaders, civil society organisations and political commentators, with critics warning that renewed advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim ticket could heighten religious tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Responding to the controversy, Jingir said his statement should not be interpreted as an official directive or position of JIBWIS.

“My call for Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima was not a position adopted by the organisation. It was my personal opinion,” he said.

Jingir urged Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right to vote and carefully assess political parties and candidates before making their choice in 2027.

He also called on political and religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance and national unity, stressing the importance of responsible political engagement ahead of the elections.

The clarification comes amid renewed discussion about the place of religion in Nigeria’s electoral politics. The Muslim-Muslim ticket was one of the most contentious issues during the 2023 presidential campaign, with supporters and opponents offering sharply different arguments about its implications for the country’s religious balance.

Jingir’s latest remarks are therefore likely to keep the issue in the public conversation as political activity gradually builds towards the 2027 elections.

JIBWIS has not, however, publicly adopted Jingir’s position as its official stance.