Plateau-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, has renewed his support for the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election, shortly after a N600 million donation was announced for a university project associated with him.
The donation was announced by Ibrahim Masari, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Affairs, during an event attended by Jingir.
Masari said he and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, had each pledged N300 million towards the religious university project, bringing the total contribution to N600 million.
“I, too, have given N300 million, and my brother, the Governor of Yobe State, has also given N300 million, bringing the total to N600 million. Give us the account details so we can transfer the money right now,” Masari said.
Jingir thanked the donors and subsequently reiterated his support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The cleric, while stressing that the funds were intended for the university project rather than his personal use, asked the audience whether the institution could be regarded as his personal property.
“I want education to be established so that both Muslims and Christians can be successful,” he said.
Jingir later led chants of “Muslim-Muslim” as he concluded his remarks, while praying for peace in Nigeria and the Muslim world.
He also criticised those opposed to the same-faith ticket, saying, “May Allah open their eyes and guide them to Islam.”
The donation and Jingir’s remarks have generated reactions on social media, with some users questioning the timing of the donation and the cleric’s continued political advocacy.
Jingir had earlier declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election on the basis of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, urging Muslims to mobilise their votes for the President in 2027.
“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam. I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again,” he had said.
He also urged Muslims to use the 2027 election to demonstrate their numerical strength in Nigeria, a position that attracted criticism from some Nigerians.
The latest development comes amid growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the Tinubu administration facing renewed debate over the religious composition of its leadership and support from prominent religious figures.
(The Whistler)
