2027: Kwankwaso rejects Jingir’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, infidel comments

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has criticised comments by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over the Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying divisive statements should not be encouraged ahead of the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso made his position known on Monday in reaction to a video of Jingir making controversial remarks about Christians and Nigerians who oppose a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

The former Kano State governor said such comments were troubling, particularly because they came from a religious leader with a large following and influence.

Jingir had reportedly stated in the video that Nigerians who opposed a Muslim-Muslim ticket should leave the country, while describing Christians as infidels.
Reacting to the development, Kwankwaso said the people of Kano did not support or identify with the cleric’s remarks.

He called on political and religious leaders to promote peace, unity and reconciliation rather than make statements capable of creating division among Nigerians.
According to Kwankwaso, the country is going through an important period and all those with influence should be careful about the messages they pass to the public.

He said religious differences should not be allowed to weaken national unity or create further tension among citizens.
Kwankwaso also turned his attention to the 2027 general election, saying the poll would give Nigerians an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration.

He said voters would have the chance to reward governments that had performed well and reject those they believed had failed to meet their expectations.

The former Kano governor further indicated that he believed the present administration had not performed well enough to deserve another opportunity from Nigerians at the polls.

His reaction comes amid growing debate over religion and politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with political figures and religious leaders expressing different views on the possibility of another Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The comments have also triggered reactions from other stakeholders, with some defending Jingir’s position while others have criticised the remarks for their potential to deepen religious divisions.

Kwankwaso maintained that leaders across political and religious circles have a responsibility to protect national unity and avoid statements that could set citizens against one another.

He also urged Nigerians to remain focused on issues that affect governance and the wellbeing of the country as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 election.