Nigerian ambassador to South Africa Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) rejects comments by Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, who says people opposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket should “leave Nigeria.” The remark is made in a viral video during a preaching event to Muslims and sparks online backlash, including from Christians who dispute the implication that Nigeria belongs exclusively to Muslims.

In response, Fani-Kayode posts a statement on X, saying the cleric’s claims are unhelpful and untrue and calls them provocative. He argues Nigeria is a secular, multi-religious state with both Christians and Muslims, describing that as the country’s strength. He also says President Bola Tinubu’s planned Muslim/Muslim ticket for 2027 is supported because of candidates’ qualifications and electoral strength rather than religion. Fani-Kayode adds that a Christian/Christian ticket could happen in the future as well.

Both outlets frame the story around the dispute over national identity and political ticketing, emphasizing that the disagreement centers on how religion should be treated in elections and public life.