Calling Christians ‘Infidels’ Is Offensive And Could Worsen Religious Tension” — Northern CAN Chairman Rev. John Hayab
The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has condemned Islamic cleric Sheikh Sona Jingir’s reported use of the word “infidels” while campaigning for Muslim-Muslim political tickets.
Northern CAN Chairman Rev. John Hayab described the remark as offensive and warned that such language could deepen religious tension and damage relations between Christians and Muslims.
Jingir reportedly urged Muslims to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support Muslim-Muslim tickets in future elections. He was quoted as saying the votes would demonstrate to “the infidels” that Muslims were the majority.
Reacting during an interview on Channels Television, Hayab said the cleric could have encouraged Muslims to support candidates of their faith without using language that appeared to insult Christians.
He expressed particular concern that the statement was reportedly made at a gathering attended by three governors and argued that it should have been condemned immediately.
“The man did not say it in his room; he said it in the presence of three governors, and they were all smiling. This is an action that should have been rebuked instantly,” Hayab said.
He clarified that CAN was not opposed to Muslims supporting Muslim candidates based on their character, competence or political record. However, he maintained that using derogatory religious language during political campaigns was unacceptable.
Hayab also called on the government to respond responsibly to inflammatory religious statements, warning that leaving such rhetoric unchecked could undermine peace and national unity.
The controversy comes amid renewed debate over same-faith political tickets in Nigeria.
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