Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election, condemned comments by Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir on Monday.
Kwankwaso posted a statement on his official X account. He described the remarks as divisive and capable of undermining national unity.
The cleric made the comments at an event in Kano over the weekend. Reports indicated that Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir advocated continued use of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He suggested the approach would prove Muslims outnumbered Christians in Nigeria. One account also noted claims that Nigeria was an Islamic state.
Kwankwaso responded directly. “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,” he said.
He added that the source of the comments heightened his worry. “It is particularly troubling to hear such rhetoric from a religious leader of Sheikh Jingir’s stature and influence,” Kwankwaso stated.
Kwankwaso then distanced the people of Kano from the statements. “Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.
He stressed the duties of leaders. “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,” Kwankwaso declared.
Kwankwaso linked the issue to the coming elections. “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.
