A Plateau State-based public policy commentator, Dr. Barth Shepkong, has criticised remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir over the politics of religious identity, warning that religious majoritarianism could deepen divisions and threaten Nigeria’s democratic and national cohesion.
In a statement titled “Sheikh Yahaya Jingir and the Dangerous Politics of Religious Majoritarianism,” Shepkong said reports that Jingir defended the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, linked electoral support to Muslim numerical strength, described opponents as “infidels” and suggested that those uncomfortable with such political arrangements should leave Nigeria were concerning.
Shepkong, however, stressed that his criticism was not based on Jingir’s right to hold political opinions, noting that every Nigerian citizen has a constitutional right to express political views.
According to him, the concern is whether religious leaders should deploy their influence in ways that encourage Nigerians to approach politics primarily through religious identity.
He argued that Nigeria’s democracy should not become a contest between Christians and Muslims or a referendum on which religious group is numerically stronger.
“Elections are designed to determine who governs, not which religion prevails,” Shepkong said, adding that Nigerians vote on issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, corruption, infrastructure and the cost of living.
He maintained that an electoral majority from one religious community does not transform Nigeria into a state belonging to that faith.
“A Muslim-majority vote does not make Nigeria a Muslim state. A Christian-majority vote would not make Nigeria a Christian state. Nigeria belongs equally to all Nigerians,” he stated.
Shepkong also invoked the legacy of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and his well-known call for the preservation of Nigeria’s unity, arguing that national cohesion requires citizens of different ethnic and religious backgrounds to see themselves as equal stakeholders in the country.
He said the most troubling aspect of the reported remarks was not necessarily support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which he acknowledged could be debated legitimately, but the alleged attempt to turn political preferences into expressions of religious strength.
According to him, when political competition becomes framed as a struggle for religious supremacy, citizens can gradually begin to view one another as rivals and, ultimately, enemies.
Shepkong warned that influential religious leaders have a responsibility to use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence, moderation and mutual respect, particularly in a country facing existing ethnic and religious tensions.
He specifically referenced Plateau State, saying the consequences of identity-based politics were not theoretical for residents of the state, which has experienced periods of ethno-religious violence.
“As a son of Plateau State, I write from a place shaped by both the promise of diversity and the pain of division,” he said, adding that communities have suffered from suspicion, violence and the consequences of inflammatory rhetoric.
Shepkong argued that ordinary Nigerians, regardless of their faith, face largely similar socioeconomic challenges, including insecurity, inflation, unemployment and poor access to opportunities.
He therefore called for greater emphasis on governance, equal citizenship and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
The public policy commentator also stressed that his intervention was not directed against Islam or Muslims, saying similar criticism would apply to any religious group if it promoted political entitlement, exclusion or superiority.
He urged religious leaders to use their influence to advocate justice, accountability, peace and the common good rather than deepen religious divisions.
“What Nigeria needs is a renewed commitment to equal citizenship. What Plateau State needs is greater interfaith trust. What our future demands is leadership that builds bridges rather than boundaries,” Shepkong said.
He called on Sheikh Jingir and other influential religious figures to promote messages capable of strengthening peaceful coexistence and democratic values in Nigeria.
About the Author
Dr. Barth Shepkong is the National President of the Plateau State Association, USA (PSA-USA). He writes on public policy, peacebuilding, democratic governance, religious pluralism, conflict prevention and social justice. He said his intervention was motivated by his commitment to interfaith understanding, democratic values, peaceful coexistence and a united Nigeria.
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