Plateau-based Islamic cleric, Yahaya Jingir, intensified his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket after receiving donations of N600 million from Ibrahim Masari, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni.
A viral video of Mr Masari, an ally and SA on political affairs to Mr Tinubu, announcing the donation of ₦600 million by him and Mr Buni to Mr Jingir-led religious university project emerged on the internet on Monday.
“I, too, have given ₦300 million, and my brother, the Governor of Yobe State, has also given ₦300 million, bringing the total to ₦600 million. Give us the account details so we can transfer the money right now,” Mr Masari said.
In response to Mr Masari’s donation at the event, the cleric doubled down on campaign for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“So, we are very grateful, and may Allah reward you. Let me stop here,” Mr Jingir said, asking the crowd, “is the name of the university the private purse of Alhaji Sani Yahaya Jingir?”
“I want education to be established so that both Muslims and Christians can be successful,” he added.
Chanting “Muslim-Muslim” in support of the same-faith ticket to close his remarks, Mr Jingir said, “May Allah bring peace to Nigeria and peace to the Muslim world. And for those who are saying we are cheating in the name of Islam, may Allah open their eyes and guide them to Islam.”
Though the cleric claimed the donations were not to him but for a university project, it has sparked reactions on social media.
“If you are following Yahaya Jingir to shout Muslim-Muslim ticket look at this video! N600 million,” Imran Wakili, an X user said. “And you still think removal of subsidy is for you and me!”
Another X user, @MBMoralpolice said, “The man is after his bank balances to say so seems fair but when one is announcing a 300M Naira donation to your purse somehow and you are eager to take the microphone away ahead of further donations announcement, I better ask?! How Much Are You Really Worth.”
@Aliyyyou said, “Religious leaders have really got it wrong in this country. No respect, dignity or honor. Just power, money and fake faith. No difference from the politicians.”
About two weeks ago, Mr Jingir had announced support for Mr Tinubu’s same faith ticket as Nigerians head for presidential election in 2027, sparking backlash.
“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,” Mr Jingir said.
Charging Muslims to vote for Mr Tinubu’s re-election based on the same-faith ticket to prove that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria, Mr Jingir said, “So, here I am calling on you; please, everyone should get their votes ready. Let us show the world that those unbelievers who claim they outnumber us in Nigeria are lying.”