2027: Plateau group makes fresh allegation against Sheikh Jingir

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The One Plateau, One Voice group has criticised Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over his recent claim that Plateau residents support the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and would vote overwhelmingly for the party in 2027.

The group’s convener, Dogo Nanzing, rejected the cleric’s position during an appearance on the People’s Movement, a podcast hosted by Jos-based broadcaster and comedian, Osama Apkunonu, on Saturday.

Nanzing argued that Jingir had no mandate to speak for the people of Plateau State, insisting that the cleric is a settler and resident rather than an indigene of the state.

He said the group considered it offensive for Jingir to present himself as a representative of indigenous Plateau people while claiming that the entire population supports the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The convener further accused the cleric of exploiting religion to pursue what he described as personal and political interests.

According to him, Jingir’s views do not represent the broader position of Muslims or other residents across Plateau State.

“Yahaya Jingir is not one of us. He is not from Plateau. He is a settler and a resident on the Plateau, but not an indigene,” Nanzing said while responding to questions on the stance of the residents.

Nanzing alleged that Jingir had, over the years, positioned himself as a spokesperson for Plateau Muslims and made statements that were sometimes interpreted as representing the collective views of the people.

He claimed that such remarks had contributed to unnecessary religious and political tensions within the state.

The group’s leader also accused Jingir of being driven by personal interests, describing him as a religious bigot whose activities, according to him, do not reflect the collective interests of Plateau residents.

“Yahaya Jingir is only speaking for himself, his family and his pocket. He is not speaking for Muslims, and even as a leader of an Islamic sect, he is not speaking for the entire Izala movement,” Nanzing alleged.

Nanzing also referred to the reported rejection of Jingir’s position by the Plateau State chapter of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI.

He said the organisation had distanced itself from a statement attributed to an individual linked to its media structure who had expressed support for the cleric’s position.

“JNI came out and disclaimed it completely. They distanced themselves from Jingir’s position. That tells you clearly that he is speaking for himself,” Nanzing said.

The group consequently called on the Plateau State Government and other relevant stakeholders to consider steps aimed at preventing religious teachings that could promote hatred, division or tension among residents.

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