Former Governor of Kano State and Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, in support of continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing them as divisive and inappropriate at a critical time in Nigeria’s history. He urged political leaders to promote unity and reconciliation.
Kwankwaso, in a statement on his official X account on Monday, said religious and political leaders have a responsibility to promote unity, truth and reconciliation, rather than make statements capable of deepening divisions.
He also declared that the people of Kano do not support the remarks attributed to the cleric.
“I am deeply concerned by the comments made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir at an event in Kano this weekend. At a critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged”, he said.
The cleric had sparked debate after advocating the continued used of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 election.
The cleric made the remarks at an event attended by some All Progressives Congress governors, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his Jigawa State counterpart, Umar Namadi.
Jingir praised Tinubu for adopting the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 presidential election and said he remain a strong supporter of the arrangement.
Reacting, Kwankwaso said religious and political leaders had a responsibility to avoid statements capable of deepening divisions in the country.
“It is particularly troubling to hear such rhetoric from a religious leader of Sheikh Jingir ‘s stature and influence.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorsed or support these divisive remarks. Political and religious leaders alike carry a solemn responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity, and advance reconciliation”, Kwankwaso said.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), also linked the controversy to the 2027 general elections, saying the polls would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration.
He said voters would have the opportunity to reward good governance at the ballot box while rejecting what he described as poor performance.
“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.
-9News Nigeria.
