Tinubu/Shettima: Another Muslim-Muslim ticket not good for Nigeria says Kwankwaso

Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has rejected the idea of another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that Nigeria’s religious diversity makes a balanced ticket more suitable for national unity and inclusion.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Kwankwaso said Nigerians are increasingly concerned about insecurity, economic hardship and unemployment rather than religion or ethnicity, stressing that the electorate is seeking leaders capable of improving their living conditions.

According to him, the current political atmosphere reflects a growing desire for effective governance.

“People are tired of the situation they are in now. They want something new, something that can help their lives, something that can improve the security and welfare of the people of this country,” he said.

Kwankwaso maintained that critics of the NDC alliance do not fully understand the realities facing many people, particularly in northern Nigeria, insisting that citizens are more interested in competent leadership than divisive political narratives.

“Those who are going against that ticket are not even conversant; they are not in touch with realities in northern Nigeria today,” he stated.

Addressing reports linking him to allegations of religious persecution and communal violence in a proposed United States bill, Kwankwaso dismissed the claims as politically motivated.

“I have no asset anywhere outside Nigeria, so there is nothing to freeze,” he said, adding that those behind the allegations were driven by politics rather than facts.

“Everybody has enemies. People decided to send my name here and there. But realities have now come out, and that issue is gone. It is no longer an issue,” he added.

On whether he believed his name had been cleared, Kwankwaso responded: “I believe so.”

Turning to the 2027 presidential election, the former governor expressed surprise that President Bola Tinubu is reportedly considering retaining a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“I’m even surprised that the President again is presenting the same type of ticket,” he said.

Kwankwaso argued that although there is nothing inherently wrong with candidates of the same faith contesting together, Nigeria’s religious diversity makes a balanced ticket more appropriate because it promotes inclusion and gives every section of the country a sense of belonging.

“I believe he still has time from now to the time of substitution to have a balanced ticket,” he stated.

Recalling his own experience during the 2023 election, Kwankwaso said he deliberately chose a Christian cleric as his running mate to ensure religious balance.

“When I was looking for somebody to run with me, I got an archbishop so that we can go together and everybody will have a sense of belonging,” he said.

He also referenced the 1993 presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, noting that public discussions at the time focused more on competence and popularity than religion.

“At that time, people were talking of competence, popularity and many other positive things,” he said.

Kwankwaso further expressed confidence that legal disputes involving the NDC would not prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election.

“I don’t think any respected judge will be in a hurry to say NDC should not participate in the 2027 election,” he said, expressing confidence that the courts would allow Nigerians to decide the outcome through the ballot box.

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