The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has dissociated himself from comments attributed to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Sani Jingir, advocating a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and making remarks about Christians.

Tanko, who made his position known in a statement on Tuesday, said his views were based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and equal citizenship, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

He said, “I, Dr Yunusa Tanko, a Muslim from Kano State, hereby dissociate myself from the statements attributed to Mallam Yahaya Sani Jingir condemning Christians in Nigeria or describing them as infidels, as well as his advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim ticket on the basis of religious identity.”

The Obidient coordinator said Nigeria belonged to all its citizens regardless of their faith or ethnicity, stressing that competence, character and accountability should guide political choices.

“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity. As Muslims, we believe in justice, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, competence, character, accountability, and equal citizenship,” he said.

Tanko also declared his support for the proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket, saying it represented his vision for a better Nigeria.

“I therefore affirm my support for the Peter Obi-Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ticket as a platform for a better Nigeria founded on competence, character, accountability, unity, and a better future for all Nigerians,” he said.

His comments followed remarks attributed to Jingir, the National Chairman of the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, who recently reiterated his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

Jingir had described President Bola Tinubu as his “political hero” for introducing the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 and called on Muslims to support similar arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I am among the staunch advocates of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and I call on you to come together for Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Jingir was quoted as saying.

He had also declared, “But as a Muslim, I repeat it, Muslim-Muslim! No going back on this.”

The cleric’s remarks have sparked debate over the place of religion in Nigeria’s politics, with critics arguing that such rhetoric could deepen religious divisions in the country.

Tanko’s statement was signed by him as “Dr Yunusa Tanko, Muslim from Kano State, Nigeria.”