11/08/2026
Nigeria is a Muslim country, and if you do not wish to embrace a Muslim–Muslim ticket, then you should depart from Nigeria—because it belongs to us.”
— Sheikh Yahaya Jingir
The remark has elicited widespread reactions; however, it is important to place the legal position in proper perspective.
Nigeria is neither a Christian state nor a Muslim state. It is a secular federation, and the Constitution does not entrench any religion as the religion of the state.
Indeed, Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides that: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
Furthermore, Section 38 safeguards every person’s freedom to hold, adopt, or change a religion or belief, and to manifest and practise the same.
Thus, while individuals and groups may legitimately advocate for a Muslim–Muslim ticket, a Christian–Christian ticket, or any other political configuration, no religious community may lawfully claim exclusive ownership of Nigeria on the basis of faith alone.
Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians—Muslims, Christians, adherents of traditional religions, and those who profess no religion at all.
I remain steadfast in my advocacy comrade Jude.