Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended his counterpart, Sheikh Yahya Jingir, over controversial remarks advocating for a continuous Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting via a Facebook post on Monday, Gumi argued that Jingir’s hardline political stance must be understood within the context of the severe religious friction in Plateau State, noting that the cleric operates in the "eye of the storm of excessive bigotry against Islam."

Gumi stated that Jingir should be "excused" for his extreme views due to the hostile socio-political environment he faces.

Jingir had openly praised President Bola Tinubu`s 2023 joint-Muslim ticket, declaring himself a staunch advocate and urging Muslims to sustain the arrangement for 2027.

Gumi pointed out that religious manipulation is not one-sided, citing a recent controversy involving a Muslim Vice-Chancellor in Plateau State, and accused opposition politicians of similarly weaponizing faith to win votes.

Gumi cautioned against mixing faith with Nigeria`s "dirty politics," emphasizing that religion has no place in the political quagmire of a multi-religious nation.