Kwankwaso rejects Jingir’s Muslim-Muslim ticket remarks, says Kano does not support cleric

The 2027 Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned controversial remarks by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, advocating the continued use of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets.

Kwankwaso said the comments were divisive and should be discouraged, particularly because they came from a prominent religious leader with considerable influence.

Jingir had reportedly advocated the retention of a Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that it was necessary to demonstrate that Muslims outnumber Christians in Nigeria.

The cleric made the remarks at an event attended by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, according to a video circulated on social media.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, Kwankwaso said he was “deeply concerned” by the remarks, warning that utterances capable of promoting religious division could undermine national unity.

“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged.

“It is particularly troubling to hear such rhetoric from a religious leader of Sheikh Jingir’s stature and influence,” Kwankwaso said.

The former governor also rejected any suggestion that Jingir’s position represented the views of Kano residents.

“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged political and religious leaders to promote unity, reconciliation and responsible public discourse, stressing that leaders had a duty to protect the country’s national cohesion.

“Political and religious leaders alike carry a solemn responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity, and advance reconciliation.

“We must not lend our voices to utterances capable of undermining the very foundation of our nationhood,” he added.

On the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso said Nigerians would have the opportunity to assess the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration and decide its fate at the polls.

“The 2027 general elections will be an opportunity for Nigerians to reward good governance with resounding support and to reject poor performance at the polls. This administration has earned the latter,” he said.

He concluded by praying for the country, saying, “God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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