Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa has urged Nigerians not to make religion the basis for their voting decisions ahead of the 2027 general elections, directly opposing recent comments by fellow Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingr in support of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
Daurawa made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview with DW while responding to Jingr’s position that Nigerians should support candidates based on their religious identity.
Rejecting that approach, Daurawa said voters should instead assess political candidates based on their competence, records and ability to deliver good governance.
“It shouldn’t be about religion but who is going to work, what is the person capable of doing, and what has he done?” he said.
Jingr had recently expressed support for the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election, a position that has generated debate over the role of religion in Nigeria’s politics.
Daurawa, however, argued that Nigeria’s political system should not be treated as a religious contest, noting that the country’s Constitution does not establish political parties on the basis of religion.
“Is there any party registered by INEC as an Islamic party or a Christian party or has any religious manifesto?” he asked.
According to the scholar, Nigerians should be free to support candidates regardless of the religious composition of their tickets. He said voters could choose a Muslim-Muslim, Christian-Christian, Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim ticket based on the candidates’ capabilities and records.
Daurawa also warned against insulting or attacking Nigerians because of their political choices or the religious identity of candidates.
“Nigerians have sense. They should judge candidates by what they will do and what they have done, not by religion,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed discussions over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s possible re-election bid and the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket he shares with Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Daurawa’s position is that religious identity should not replace scrutiny of a government’s performance. He urged Nigerians to examine what candidates have achieved, what they are capable of doing and whether their policies have improved the lives of citizens.
The scholar also encouraged young Nigerians to reject drug abuse, avoid violence and stay away from weapons ahead of the elections.
He called on youths to participate peacefully in the electoral process and make political choices based on competence and good governance rather than religious considerations.
