Christian Youths Condemn Sheik Jingir’s Remarks, Urge Restraint, National Unity

• Says Religious-Based Politics Threatens Nigeria’s Diversity, Calls on Government to Distance Itself

Our Correspondent

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN, Plateau State Chapter, has condemned remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir advocating religious-based political alignment, saying such statements are capable of inflaming religious sensitivities and weakening national unity.

In a press statement issued on August 10, 2026, signed by Ankuka Dekom Paul, Secretary, and Amb. Hon. Panmak Mark Lere, Chairman, YOWICAN said it was responding “not out of hostility, but out of responsibility” as Christian youths committed to peace and nation-building.

YOWICAN stated that Nigeria is a secular and multi-religious nation founded on coexistence, mutual respect and equal citizenship.

“No religion holds a monopoly over the Nigerian identity, and no group should be made to feel inferior or excluded based on faith,” the statement read.

The group rejected suggestions that political choices should be determined strictly along religious lines, or that one group should “show others their limit.”

“That is not only inconsistent with democratic values but also dangerous to the fragile fabric of our national unity,” it said.

“Democracy thrives on competence, character, vision, and service, not religious arithmetic.”

YOWICAN noted that many Christians are members of the APC and that many Christians voted for candidates across religious lines, including Muslim-Muslim tickets, “based on conviction, not coercion.”

It added that such citizens “must not be indirectly ridiculed or alienated by divisive rhetoric.”

The youth CAN cited the repeated use of divisive language such as “infidels” to categorize fellow Nigerians, religious superiority claims through framing political outcomes as proof of religious superiority or numerical dominance, insinuations capable of eroding trust between religious communities and lack of clear distancing by relevant authorities, as factors that risk sending the wrong signal.

YOWICAN also recalled previous instances where similar remarks attributed to the same cleric stirred controversy, including statements it said: “appeared to weaponize historical ethnic tensions.”

The group cautioned that religious leaders must ensure public utterances “heal, not divide,” and respect for diversity of Nigeria as a country that belongs to Christians, Muslims and others alike.

They advised authorities to clearly distance themselves from divisive statements and reassure Nigerians of fairness.

YOWICAN also called for accountability on the part of leaders, urging that statements capable of inciting tension should be scrutinized and addressed within the law.

YOWICAN further advocated for the prioritization of National discourse around security, economy, education and healthcare over religious polarization.

The group stated that its intervention was “moral and civic, not political,” and affirmed the long-standing cordial relationship between YOWICAN and NACOMYO in Plateau State “built on trust, dialogue, and shared commitment to peace.”

“We recognize that not all Muslims share or endorse such views, and we continue to value the long-standing relationships between our communities,” the statement said.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in her diversity. To fracture that unity with careless words is to weaken the very foundation upon which we all stand,” it added, quoting: “A house divided by tongues of fire cannot stand, but one united in purpose will weather every storm.”

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