The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urges Nigerians to exercise moderation in public religious and political discussions after Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir makes comments about electoral participation. Joseph Hayab, CAN chairman in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, says the issue requires calm and respectful dialogue.
Hayab made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief,” responding to a video circulating on social media. In it, Jingir says that anyone who does not want to accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket should leave Nigeria, asserting that Nigeria belongs to Muslims. Hayab argues that, while previous offensive statements have occurred, the use of a derogatory term—reported as “infidel”—escalates the matter and shifts it from campaigning into insulting. He calls for honest engagement with open-minded individuals and clerics.
Across the outlets, the focus remains on CAN’s attempt to de-escalate religious rhetoric and encourage respectful discourse, rather than offering a direct endorsement or rejection of any political arrangement.
