Kwankwaso Slams Sheikh Jingir Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket Comment

The 2027 vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned recent comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir concerning the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Ireporter Online, Kwankwaso expressed concern over the remarks in a statement issued on Monday, warning that statements capable of deepening religious division should be discouraged, particularly at a sensitive time in the country’s political history.

Jingir had reportedly advocated the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 election, with remarks suggesting that such an arrangement could demonstrate the numerical strength of Muslims compared with Christians in Nigeria.

The cleric made the comments at an event in Kano attended by several All Progressives Congress governors, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.

Reacting to the development, Kwankwaso said he was particularly concerned that such remarks were coming from a religious figure with Jingir’s level of influence.

He maintained that political and religious leaders had a responsibility to promote peace, unity and reconciliation rather than make statements capable of worsening existing divisions.

Kwankwaso also distanced the people of Kano from the controversial remarks, insisting that the comments did not represent the position of the state’s residents.

The former governor urged leaders across religious and political circles to uphold truth and work towards strengthening national unity, warning that divisive rhetoric could undermine Nigeria’s cohesion.

Turning to the 2027 general elections, Kwankwaso said the poll would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration and decide whether to retain or reject it.

He argued that voters would ultimately have the power to reward effective governance or reject what they consider poor performance through the ballot box.

Kwankwaso concluded his statement with a prayer for Nigeria, calling for the continued wellbeing and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.