Kwankwaso slams cleric's comments on Muslim-Muslim tickets, calls them divisive

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has strongly condemned comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, which reportedly supported the continuation of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets. Kwankwaso, who was the New Nigeria Peoples Party's (NNPP) presidential candidate in 2023, described the remarks as divisive and a threat to national unity.

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I am deeply concerned by the comments made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir at an event in Kano this weekend. At this critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Kwankwaso expressed deep concern over Jingir's statements, made at a recent event in Kano. He emphasized that religious leaders, especially those with significant influence, should actively promote peace and unity. "At this critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged," Kwankwaso stated, noting the particular concern of hearing such rhetoric from a leader of Jingir's stature.

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

Kwankwaso asserted that the people of Kano do not support these divisive remarks. He stressed that political and religious leaders have a responsibility to maintain national cohesion. "We must not lend our voices to utterances capable of undermining the very foundation of our nationhood," he added.

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

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Kwankwaso suggested that Nigerians would use the opportunity to assess the current administration's performance. He indicated that voters would decide whether to support good governance or reject poor performance at the polls, implying the current administration has earned the latter.

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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.