Islamic cleric Sani Jingir has defended his advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim ticket in Nigeria, saying he has no regrets over his recent comments and will not apologise for them.

Jingir made the remarks while speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, days after urging Muslims at a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples to vote in a manner that reflects their numerical strength.

The cleric said his position was rooted in his religious convictions and was not an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu or former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I have absolutely no regrets. I stand firmly by my words and will never apologise. I will continue to advocate for a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.

Jingir maintained that the preaching platform was a sacred space for educating Muslims and communicating what he believes to be the truth.

He said he regularly encourages his followers to participate in politics as part of their religious responsibility, urging them to make political choices based on their convictions rather than financial inducements.

“I am not campaigning for Bola Tinubu, I am campaigning for my religion,” he said.

The cleric added that his advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim leadership structure was strictly based on his religious beliefs.

Jingir said he was aware that his position would attract criticism but had prepared himself for the backlash and would not be deterred.

He also stressed that his advocacy did not prevent Nigerians from voting for candidates of their choice.

According to him, his position was that Muslims should support a “righteous and better Muslim”, while noting that Islam prohibits corruption and stealing.

“My words carry no harm. I explicitly stated that people are free to vote for whoever they want, while I will personally do what aligns with my beliefs.”

Jingir further claimed that his position had received widespread support among Muslims, citing the reaction of attendees during his address in Kano.

He said a large number of Muslims responded positively when he asked whether they supported Islamic principles.

His comments have, however, drawn criticism from several Nigerians, who described the advocacy as divisive and capable of aggravating existing religious tensions in the country.