Former Kano State Governor and vice presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised comments by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, in support of retaining Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso described the remarks as divisive and warned that statements capable of deepening religious and political divisions could undermine national unity.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, the former governor said he was concerned by comments attributed to Jingir during an event in Kano over the weekend.
Kwankwaso said religious leaders, particularly those with significant influence, had a duty to promote peace, unity and reconciliation rather than make statements that could further polarise the country.
He said it was especially troubling that such comments came from a prominent religious figure with Jingir’s level of influence.
Kwankwaso also said the people of Kano did not support the cleric’s position, stressing that both political and religious leaders had a responsibility to protect national cohesion.
He urged leaders to promote truth, unity and reconciliation and avoid statements that could weaken the country’s sense of national identity.
On the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso said Nigerians would have the opportunity to assess the performance of the current President Bola Tinubu-led administration and decide whether it deserves another term.
He said the election would provide an opportunity for voters to reward effective governance while rejecting what he described as poor performance by the Tinubu administration.
