The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to publicly respond to a reported statement by Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir that a Muslim-Muslim presidency is ideal because Muslims constitute the majority of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Tuesday, HURIWA described the reported remark as inconsistent with Nigeria’s pluralistic character and the principle of equal citizenship.
The group said the silence of the President and Vice President could create the impression of tacit approval, and urged them to clarify their positions.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria belongs equally to Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths, stressing that religious numerical strength should not determine access to political office.
It also called on relevant law enforcement authorities to examine whether the reported statement violated any laws relating to religious incitement, hate speech or discrimination.
The group warned that inflammatory religious rhetoric could deepen existing religious and ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA said its concerns over a same-faith presidency were based on the need for inclusion, balance and national cohesion rather than opposition to any particular religion.
The organisation urged Tinubu and Shettima to publicly reject any suggestion of religious supremacy and reaffirm their commitment to equal citizenship and Nigeria’s constitutional order.
