Aminu Danmaliki, the Danmalikin Bauchi, has issued a strong response to renewed criticism of Sharia law, declaring that campaigns aimed at portraying Nigerian Muslims as oppressors are “doomed to collapse before they even take off.”
He maintained that efforts by what he described as “external pressure groups and local agitators” attempting to misrepresent Sharia to the international community are based on fear-mongering rather than reality.
Speaking during a media interaction in Bauchi, the traditional leader argued that Sharia has been part of Northern Nigeria’s legal culture for centuries and remains widely accepted by Muslims who consider it a core aspect of their faith and governance.
“Those pushing these narratives want the world to believe that Sharia is a weapon against other religions,” he said.
“However, the facts on the ground show that non-Muslims are not subjected to its authority, and its implementation has limits defined by law and by the constitution.”
Danmaliki disclosed that a recent petition reportedly taken by a group of Christian activists to a joint session of the American Congress had reignited the controversy, accusing Muslim-majority states of weaponising religion.
He dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and lacking evidence.
“They attempted to label Nigerian Muslims as perpetrators of genocide,” he insisted.
“That failed because the truth prevailed, and this renewed attempt will also fail for the same reason, the claims cannot stand on facts.”
Moreover, the monarch stressed that the agitation is not truly about coexistence but about creating distrust and division between religious communities, especially in regions already grappling with insecurity and political contestation.
“Sharia is constitutionally recognised, culturally rooted, and broadly supported across Muslim communities,” he added.
“Those attempting to turn other nations against Nigerian Muslims are fighting a losing battle because truth outlives propaganda.”
Furthermore, he encouraged Nigerians to promote dialogue instead of exporting conflicts abroad, warning that misrepresentation of religious practices feeds extremism rather than preventing it.
Danmaliki concluded that the demand for Sharia among Muslims in Northern Nigeria stems from conviction and identity, not coercion. In his words, “Sharia is not a threat, misunderstanding is.”