TDThe Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), under the leadership of Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, says it has no regrets over its position on the Muslim political agenda in Nigeria, including the 2027 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
The organisation made the declaration in a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The declaration followed controversial comments attributed to Sheikh Yahaya Jingir concerning Muslim political dominance and the future of Nigeria.
According to Igboayaka, the position attributed to Jingir has opened a fresh debate about Nigeria’s political structure.
It also opened a debate about Nigeria’s religious balance and the right of ethnic and religious groups to determine their political future.
‘Every Region Should Prepare to Leave’
Igboayaka said the development had reinforced his argument that every capable region, ethnic group or community should be prepared to pursue self-determination.
Such move is necessary, he said, if it believes its interests can no longer be protected within Nigeria’s existing political arrangement.
He specifically argued that Igbos should not be compelled to remain in a political system they believe is incompatible with their aspirations.
According to him, Jingir’s position on Muslim political dominance has effectively demonstrated why the country’s various ethnic and religious groups must openly articulate their own political interests.
He said any group uncomfortable with the prospect of Muslim dominance should consider the option of restructuring or peacefully pursuing self-determination.
Igboayaka Links Jingir’s Position to Biafra Agitation
The Ohanaeze youth leader drew a parallel between Jingir’s reported advocacy of a Muslim political agenda and the self-determination campaign associated with detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Igboayaka said Kanu has consistently advocated an independent State of Biafra through a referendum.
Kanu described the demand as part of a broader debate over self-determination.
He alleged that Kanu had been subjected to state persecution because of his political activities and ethnicity.
Igboayaka argued that Nigerians should be allowed to express competing political and self-determination positions without selective application of the law.
Calls for Equal Protection
The Ohanaeze youth leader commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police for what he described as their protection of Sheikh Jingir following his controversial statements.
However, he called on the security agencies to extend similar protection to Nigerians advocating other political positions, particularly supporters of IPOB and Kanu.
“It is therefore necessary that DSS and Nigeria Police should protect other Nigerians, especially the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who share the same views as Sheikh Yahaya Jingir,” he said.
He maintained that the principle of freedom of expression and political self-determination should apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
Appeal to Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu
Igboayaka also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in Kanu’s legal situation.
He urged the President to consider granting pardon to Nnamdi Kanu and initiate a national dialogue.
He further urged him to discontinue what he described as terrorism charges that lacked merit.
According to him, dialogue would provide an opportunity to address the underlying political and regional grievances contributing to Nigeria’s continuing instability.
‘Self-Determination Should Not Be Criminalised’
Igboayaka said both Jingir’s vision of a Muslim-oriented Nigeria and Kanu’s advocacy for a republican State of Biafra should be viewed within the broader context of self-determination.
He argued that neither position should automatically be treated as inherently illegitimate simply because it challenges the country’s existing political arrangement.
“Whether driven by regional or tribal pursuits of self-preservation and self-determination, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Sheikh Yahaya Jingir must be protected by the Nigerian government for exercising their fundamental human rights to self-determination,” he said.
He maintained that peaceful political advocacy, dialogue and referendum should be considered as alternatives to confrontation.
Renewed Debate Over Nigeria’s Political Future
The statement comes amid renewed debates over religion, political power and the 2027 presidential election, particularly following calls by some Muslim leaders for continued Muslim-Muslim political arrangements.
The comments have also revived wider questions about Nigeria’s ability to manage its religious and ethnic diversity within a single political framework.
Supporters of a united Nigeria continue to advocate political accommodation and national integration.
However, separatist and self-determination movements argue that restructuring, regional autonomy or independence may provide better solutions to longstanding grievances.
Igboayaka’s latest statement therefore places the Ohanaeze Youth Council at the centre of the renewed debate.
The debate calls for equal protection of competing political viewpoints while advocating dialogue and peaceful mechanisms for resolving Nigeria’s constitutional and political differences.
