IT WAS ABOUT COMPETENCE, NOT CREED” – TRUSTA FAULTS JINGIR OVER TINUBU’S MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA) has criticised recent remarks by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to run a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing the comments as a misrepresentation of the President’s intention.

In a statement issued in Abuja on August 14, 2026, the group said the 2023 presidential election was not a contest of religious superiority but one in which Nigerians across religious, ethnic and regional divides exercised their constitutional right to choose leaders they considered capable of delivering good governance.

According to TRUSTA, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were elected on the basis of competence, experience and political expediency, rather than as an attempt to impose a particular religious agenda on the country.

The group argued that three years into the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the emphasis of the Federal Government has been on governance and policy implementation, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, economic reforms, security, employment and national development.

TRUSTA further accused Sheikh Jingir of continuing to deploy rhetoric capable of deepening religious and political divisions in the country.

The support group recalled comments attributed to the cleric during the 2023 election period, alleging that similar statements contributed to the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) loss of the Plateau State governorship election.

It described the alleged continued rhetoric as an attempt to distract Nigerians from the administration’s development agenda and undermine efforts toward nation-building.

The group maintained that political and religious leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and national unity, particularly at a time when the country is confronted with security and economic challenges.

“It is irresponsible, unpatriotic and unethical to weaponise religion and deliberately polarise Nigerians along faith lines,” TRUSTA stated.

The group called on political and religious leaders across the country to refrain from divisive narratives and instead support policies capable of improving the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their religious, ethnic or regional backgrounds.

TRUSTA said the ultimate measure of any government should be its performance and impact on citizens, rather than religious identity.

The statement was signed by Hon. Stephen Bond, National Coordinator, Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA).