Nigeria’s religious diversity requires responsible leadership, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Recent comments by Islamic cleric Sani Jingir describing Christians as “infidels” while supporting a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket have raised concerns about the growing use of religious rhetoric in Nigerian politics.
Although Jingir later said he loved Christians and wanted President Bola Tinubu to treat them fairly, his earlier remarks have been criticised as divisive and potentially damaging to religious harmony.
Religious leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, tolerance and coexistence rather than presenting political competition as a religious battle. Nigeria is a deeply religious but constitutionally secular country, and no cleric should suggest that citizens of another faith are less Nigerian or should leave the country.
The danger of inflammatory rhetoric cannot be ignored. Nigeria has previously experienced deadly incidents linked to religious accusations and extremist mobilisation, showing how dangerous sustained demonisation can become.
Political and religious leaders must therefore reject rhetoric that encourages hatred or portrays fellow citizens as enemies because of their faith.
Nigeria’s Muslim-Christian communities, including countless mixed-faith families, demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is possible. Political disagreements should not be allowed to destroy that social bond.
Religious freedom does not give anyone the right to incite hatred, while political ambition should never turn faith into a weapon for mobilisation. Nigeria needs religious leaders who unite citizens and help heal divisions rather than deepen them.
