Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso has rejected remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying the people of Kano do not support comments he described as divisive and capable of threatening national unity. Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, made his […]
Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso has rejected remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying the people of Kano do not support comments he described as divisive and capable of threatening national unity.
Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, made his position known in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday after a video of Jingir’s comments circulated on social media.
In the video reported by Daily Post, Jingir was said to have warned that people who rejected a Muslim-Muslim ticket should leave Nigeria because the country belongs to Muslims, while allegedly referring to Christians as “infidels.” The remarks have since generated reactions from political and religious figures.
Kwankwaso said he was particularly troubled by the comments because of Jingir’s position and influence as a religious leader. He argued that influential religious figures should use their platforms to encourage peace, unity and reconciliation rather than make statements that could widen divisions among Nigerians.
The former Kano governor stressed that political and religious leaders alike have a responsibility to uphold truth and protect national cohesion. He warned against utterances that could undermine the foundations of the country, especially at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are beginning to intensify.
Kwankwaso also made it clear that Jingir’s position should not be interpreted as representing the people of Kano. He declared that the people of the state did not endorse or support the remarks, distancing the Kano electorate from what he described as divisive rhetoric.
The NDC chieftain further shifted attention to the 2027 general elections, saying the poll would give Nigerians an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration. According to him, voters would have the power to reward good governance with their support or reject poor performance through their votes.
Kwankwaso concluded by declaring that the present administration had earned rejection from Nigerians. His reaction comes as the debate over religious balancing, presidential tickets and political alliances gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with comments from influential figures increasingly drawing strong responses across the country.