The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded for the arrest and prosecution of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over what it described as hateful and inciting remarks capable of aggravating religious tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NHRC specifically called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute Jingir for alleged hate speech and incitement.
It emphasised that the nation cannot afford to look away, stressing that if the authorities fail to speak and act now, they would embolden both Christian and Muslim clerics and other influential persons to make worse statements in the coming months which can only lead to crisis.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, who stated these after a critical review of a viral video in which Sheik Jingir canvassed religiously exclusive politics and asked his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to “show their limit,” condemned in very strong terms, the remarks of the Islamic cleric.
Jingir has been involved in controversies surrounding politically charged religious messaging. In the run-up to the 2019 general elections, the Islamic cleric attracted criticisms over a video message to followers concerning voting and religious identity.
However, the NHRC boss insisted that any prosecution should be pursued irrespective of the cleric’s status or political affiliation, stressing that equal application of the law was necessary to deter others from exploiting religious sentiments for political purposes.
Ojukwu particularly noted that Jingir’s reference to people of other faiths as “infidels”, coupled with his political exhortations, clearly constituted a dangerous attempt to mobilise citizens along religious lines.
The NHRC in a statement stressed that Jingir’s statements amounted to hate speech and incitement to religious hatred, with the potential to trigger violence at a time Nigeria is preparing for another politically sensitive electoral cycle.
It also noted that Jingir’s remarks were inconsistent with the constitutional principles of equality, non-discrimination and peaceful coexistence, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
According to the NHRC boss; “The Commission finds these remarks to be hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence. At a time when we are preparing for another general election, such utterances are reckless and dangerous”.
Accordingly, Ojukwu warned that failure by the authorities to respond decisively could encourage other influential religious and political actors to make increasingly provocative statements as the 2027 elections draw closer.
The NHRC’s intervention comes as political actors, religious leaders and civil society groups increasingly turn their attention to the potential impact of identity-based mobilisation on the 2027 electoral process.
Ojukwu urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and politicians to abandon divisive rhetoric and also called on Nigerians to reject identity politics and resist attempts to turn religious affiliation into a tool for political mobilisation.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged Nigerians to assess political leaders on the basis of competence, service delivery, integrity and respect for fundamental human rights.
Ojukwu said; “The Commission will continue to monitor compliance and will engage with security agencies, INEC, and civil society to ensure that the 2027 elections are free from hate and violence”.
The Commission’s position adds a fresh dimension to the growing debate over the role of religious rhetoric in Nigeria’s electoral politics, particularly as political parties and prospective candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
