Prophet Isa El-Buba, General Overseer of El-Buba Outreach Ministries, has condemned remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir during a political gathering in Kano State.
Jingir reportedly urged Muslims to support Muslim-Muslim political tickets and was also quoted as referring to Christians as “infidels” during an event organised in support of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Reacting to the remarks, El-Buba criticised what he described as religiously divisive rhetoric, warning that such comments could further deepen tensions in a country already grappling with insecurity, poverty, banditry, drug abuse and displacement, particularly in northern Nigeria.
“Somebody is standing there in your meeting, calling Christians infidels. If Christians should do this, who is going to have a country?” El-Buba asked.
While responding strongly to the alleged remarks, El-Buba said religious leaders should use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence and unity rather than fuel division along religious lines.
The cleric also highlighted his personal efforts to support Muslims across northern Nigeria, claiming that he had assisted more than 10,000 Muslims with issues including their children’s education, housing and other basic needs, despite not having personal relationships with many of the beneficiaries.
According to El-Buba, Nigeria’s political and religious leaders should prioritise addressing the country’s pressing social and economic challenges rather than using religion as a tool for political or communal division.
His comments have renewed discussions about the responsibility of religious leaders and the potential consequences of public statements that could heighten religious tensions in Nigeria.