Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over his reported support for the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, described Jingir’s remarks as divisive and warned that comments capable of deepening religious and political divisions should be discouraged.
He said religious leaders, particularly those with considerable influence, had a responsibility to promote peace, unity and reconciliation.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
The former governor said it was particularly troubling that the comments came from a cleric of Jingir’s stature and influence.
Kwankwaso also claimed that the people of Kano did not support the remarks, urging political and religious leaders to prioritise national cohesion.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.
He added that leaders across political and religious spheres had a responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity and promote reconciliation, rather than make statements capable of undermining national cohesion.
On the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso said Nigerians would have an opportunity to assess the performance of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and decide whether it deserved another mandate.
“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.