By Newsworld | February 21, 2026 | Abuja

A prominent Northern Islamic cleric has sparked fresh political and religious debate after accusing Christian leaders of rejecting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 general elections, only to allegedly benefit from what he described as “disproportionate federal appointments” under the current administration.

In a statement circulated widely on social media late Friday and credited to @Arewa_Source, the cleric claimed that many Christian groups “insulted Tinubu and Islam” during the heated campaign period, yet now hold “about 75 percent of key federal appointments.” He further alleged that the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is “hostile to Islam,” a claim that has not been substantiated with evidence.

The remarks, delivered during a public address in Northern Nigeria earlier this week, have intensified ongoing conversations about religion, representation, and political inclusion nearly three years after the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket dominated national discourse.

Donald Trump Is Preparing For War

Background to the Controversy

The 2023 presidential election was one of Nigeria’s most divisive in recent history. President Tinubu’s decision to run alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima — both Muslims — broke from Nigeria’s long-standing informal tradition of balancing presidential tickets along religious lines. Christian organizations, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had openly opposed the move, arguing that it undermined the country’s delicate religious equilibrium.

At the time, supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the ticket as a merit-based decision, insisting that competence, not religion, should determine leadership. The opposition, however, framed the ticket as insensitive in a country already grappling with religious tensions.

Now, the cleric’s latest remarks appear to revisit those divisions, suggesting that Christians who opposed the ticket have since secured significant influence within federal institutions.

Allegations of Appointment Imbalance

During his speech, the cleric alleged that despite early resistance to the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Christians have secured what he described as “dominant representation” in federal boards, parastatals, and strategic government agencies.

However, no official data has been released to confirm the figure of “75 percent” cited in the address. Political analysts contacted by Newsworld caution that federal appointments are typically influenced by regional balancing, party loyalty, and technocratic considerations, in addition to religious factors.

A senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity dismissed the claims as “misleading and inflammatory,” stating that the Tinubu administration remains committed to national unity. “Appointments have reflected federal character principles as enshrined in the Constitution,” the official said. “There is no religious targeting or bias.”

INEC Chairman Allegation

The most contentious aspect of the cleric’s remarks concerns his allegation that the INEC Chairman harbors anti-Islam sentiments. The claim has not been accompanied by specific examples or documented actions to support the accusation.

INEC has not issued an official response as of press time. However, electoral observers note that allegations against the electoral body tend to surface periodically, especially in politically charged environments.

A constitutional lawyer based in Abuja described the accusation as “serious but unproven.” He added, “If there is evidence of bias, it should be presented through lawful channels. Making broad religious accusations without proof can heighten tensions unnecessarily.”

Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

The statement has triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms and political circles. Some Northern youth groups expressed support for the cleric, arguing that Muslim communities also deserve fair representation and respect. Others have warned against reopening religious wounds.

Christian leaders contacted by Newsworld declined to respond directly to the cleric’s claims but reiterated their long-standing call for inclusive governance and mutual respect among faith communities.

Political analysts warn that rhetoric framing appointments through a strictly religious lens could further polarize the electorate ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections later this year.

Broader Implications

Nigeria remains deeply religiously diverse, with Muslims and Christians forming nearly equal proportions of the population. Historically, political stability has often depended on careful balancing of regional and religious interests.

Observers say the resurfacing of Muslim-Christian tensions underscores the need for transparent data on federal appointments and institutional leadership. Clear communication from government authorities, they argue, could help dispel misinformation and rebuild trust.

As of Saturday afternoon in Abuja, there has been no formal clarification from the Presidency regarding the appointment figures mentioned in the cleric’s speech. Meanwhile, civil society groups are calling for calm and urging leaders across religious divides to avoid language that could inflame passions.

With Nigeria navigating economic reforms, security challenges, and political realignments, many citizens hope that religious harmony will remain a national priority rather than a renewed battleground.

Newsworld will continue to monitor developments and provide real-time updates as official responses emerge.