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Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir in support of the continued use of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwaso described the remarks as divisive and potentially harmful to national unity, saying religious leaders with significant influence have a responsibility to promote peace, reconciliation and understanding rather than make statements capable of deepening religious tensions. His reaction followed comments reportedly made by Jingir at an event in Kano, where the cleric argued in favour of retaining a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the next presidential election.
Kwankwaso said he was particularly concerned because of the influence religious leaders wield over large sections of the population. He maintained that Nigeria’s political future should not be framed around religious superiority or attempts to divide citizens along faith lines, stressing that the country belongs equally to Muslims, Christians and people of other beliefs. The former governor also said Kano residents should not be portrayed as supporters of divisive politics, arguing that the people of the state have historically demonstrated an ability to support political movements based on leadership and shared interests rather than religious differences.
The controversy comes as political parties and major political figures intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with the question of presidential and vice-presidential pairings becoming an increasingly important issue. The Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2023 remains politically contentious, with supporters arguing that competence should take precedence over religion while critics believe Nigeria’s religious diversity should be reflected in the presidential ticket. Kwankwaso urged political and religious leaders to avoid rhetoric that could inflame existing divisions, insisting that the focus ahead of 2027 should be on unity, good governance, security and the welfare of Nigerians.
