Presidency Donates N600m To Sheikh Jingir Who Belittled Christians In His Backing Muslim-Muslim Ticket
President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters, Kabiru Ibrahim Masari, at an event captured on video announced a donation of N600 million on behalf of The Presidency and Yobe State’s Governor for the construction of the faith-based Fortune University, championed by the controversial Islamic Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir.
The viral video of Masari, Tinubu’s SA on Political Affairs, announcing the donation of ₦600 million by The Presidency and Yobe State’s Governor Mai Mala Buni to the Jingir-led religious university project, emerged on the internet on Monday.
“I, too, have given ₦300 million, and my brother, the Governor of Yobe State, has also given ₦300 million, bringing the total to ₦600 million. Give us the account details so we can transfer the money right now,” Masari announced.
About two weeks ago, Jingir had announced support for Tinubu’s same faith ticket as Nigerians head for Presidential election in 2027, sparking backlash.
“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam. I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again,” Jingir said.
Charging Muslims to vote for Tinubu’s re-election based on the same-faith ticket to prove that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria, Jingir said, “So, here I am calling on you; please, everyone should get their votes ready. Let us show the world that those unbelievers who claim they outnumber us in Nigeria are lying.”
The university, established by Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Magama Gumau community, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has been under construction.
Masari and Buni announced the donation on Sunday during a One-Day National Symposium with the theme “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria,” held in Jos, organised by JIBWIS.
Speaking on the side-lines of the event, Masari said, “I am not aware that there is an ongoing project by the organisation. I pledge N300 million. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has also pledged N300 million as a contribution for the project.”
Earlier, the JIBWIS National Chairman of the Ulama’u Council, Sheikh Jingir, called on Muslims across the country to contribute toward building the university.
He stressed that when completed, the institution would benefit both Christians and Muslims.
He said, “The university is not my personal property. It is for the organisation. We feel that we need to have educational institutions that people can attend to make our country better.”
The Islamic cleric further urged individuals and politicians who had earlier made pledges to fulfil them.
He cited Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, who in the past promised N450 million and N300 million respectively.
Recently, the cleric came under fire over the controverisial comments he made at a mass wedding in Kano, where he urged Nigerians to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 election.
He attributed his support for Tinubu to the President’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The remarks sparked widespread condemnation from religious groups, civil society organisations and individuals, who criticised the cleric for bringing partisan politics into religious activities.
Speaking on the donation, Umar Ibrahim Umar, Executive Director of War Against Injustice (WAI), cautioned against rushing to conclude that the reported N600 million given to Jingir was politically motivated.
He stressed that while supporting education and community development was commendable, the sheer size of the donation demanded transparency and accountability.
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) also raised concern over the donation.
While acknowledging the importance of investing in education, CHRICED questioned whether such a huge sum was a personal contribution or involved public resources, stressing that Nigerians deserve transparent answers backed by verifiable evidence.
The group noted that the timing of the pledge –coming after Sheikh Jingir’s advocacy for a Muslim–Muslim presidential ticket and just months before the 2027 general elections— heightened public suspicion.
It warned that extraordinary financial gestures by political actors in such a charged atmosphere could be perceived as attempts to sway political outcomes, and therefore demanded an independent investigation to establish the source of the funds.
In response to Masari’s donation at the event, the cleric doubled down on campaign for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“So, we are very grateful, and may Allah reward you. Let me stop here,” Jingir said, asking the crowd, “is the name of the university the private purse of Alhaji Sani Yahaya Jingir?”
“I want education to be established so that both Muslims and Christians can be successful,” he added.
Chanting “Muslim-Muslim” in support of the same-faith ticket to close his remarks, Jingir said, “May Allah bring peace to Nigeria and peace to the Muslim world. And for those who are saying we are cheating in the name of Islam, may Allah open their eyes and guide them to Islam.”
Though the cleric claimed the donations were not to him but for a university project, it has sparked reactions on social media.
“If you are following Yahaya Jingir to shout Muslim-Muslim ticket look at this video! N600 million,” Imran Wakili, an X user said. “And you still think removal of subsidy is for you and me!”
Another X user, @MBMoralpolice said, “The man is after his bank balances to say so seems fair but when one is announcing a 300M Naira donation to your purse somehow and you are eager to take the microphone away ahead of further donations announcement, I better ask?! How Much Are You Really Worth.”
@Aliyyyou said, “Religious leaders have really got it wrong in this country. No respect, dignity or honor. Just power, money and fake faith. No difference from the politicians.”
