Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the comments of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, on Muslim-Muslim political tickets.
Kwankwaso described Jingir’s remarks as divisive and capable of undermining national unity.
In a statement on Monday, the former governor said religious and political leaders must avoid statements capable of deepening divisions in the country.
“I am deeply concerned by the comments made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir at an event in Kano this weekend,” Kwankwaso said.
“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged.”
He added that the people of Kano did not support what he described as divisive remarks.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.
Kwankwaso also urged political and religious leaders to uphold truth, promote unity and support reconciliation.
“Political and religious leaders alike carry a solemn responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity, and advance reconciliation,” he said.
On the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso said Nigerians would have the opportunity to assess the performance of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration 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.
Jingir had reportedly urged Muslims in Kano to support candidates backing Muslim-Muslim tickets and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future elections.
He also questioned whether his advocacy for the arrangement amounted to wrongdoing despite opposition from Christians and other religious groups.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, remains a major political figure in Kano and the North.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
