Political strategist, Baba Yusuf, has questioned how First Lady Remi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu’s eldest son, Seyi Tinubu, would react to controversial remarks attributed to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Jingir, regarding Christians and the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
Jingir reportedly made the comments while addressing a political gathering attended by three governors and other prominent figures. He urged those opposed to the Muslim-Muslim ticket to leave Nigeria and referred to Christians as “infidels.”
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News, Yusuf, who is a Muslim, condemned the cleric’s remarks, describing them as religiously intolerant and driven by personal interests.
Yusuf said Jingir appeared to be promoting the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket without considering Nigeria’s religious diversity or the fact that members of President Tinubu’s immediate family, including the First Lady and Seyi Tinubu, are Christians.
“As a Muslim, I firmly reject religious extremism. I oppose the hateful narratives propagated by leaders, particularly those in religious positions,” Yusuf said.
He maintained that Jingir’s position should not be interpreted as representing the views of Nigerian Muslims, arguing that the cleric’s comments were personal and inappropriate for someone of his experience and standing.
According to him, religious leaders wield significant influence, making it necessary for them to exercise caution in their public statements because of the potential consequences for national unity.
Yusuf described the remarks as “steeped in religious bigotry,” adding that such rhetoric was unacceptable in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria.
He also expressed concern over the reaction of political leaders and governors who were present when the comments were made.
“What struck me as most dissonant was my observation of the reactions from the governors, other political figures, and community leaders present. Their facial expressions and overall demeanor conveyed a sense of dismay that, to me, was even more troubling than Jingir’s statement,” he said.
Yusuf further questioned why political leaders had yet to publicly address the controversy, particularly the use of the word “infidel” in reference to Christians.
He said the silence was troubling given the potential impact of such remarks on relations between Nigeria’s major religious communities.
The political strategist also questioned how the comments could be reconciled with the religious composition of President Tinubu’s family, particularly the Christian faith of the First Lady and Seyi Tinubu.
“Furthermore, I find myself questioning the thoughts of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a Christian, as well as the president, whose eldest son is also a Christian,” he said.
Yusuf argued that anyone seeking to promote a united Nigeria must avoid rhetoric capable of deepening religious divisions.
“If we genuinely aspire for a united Nigeria, we must transcend these divisions,” he added, describing the development as a reflection of what he called the extent of political decay in the country.