Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso has taken a swipe at Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Jingir over his renewed campaign for a Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, while reacting to Jingir’s recent call on Nigerian Muslims to support the All Progressives Congress, APC, Muslim-Muslim ticket, argued that President Bola Tinubu himself has historically promoted religious balance in political appointments and partnerships.
Jingir had, while speaking in Kano, reaffirmed his support for another Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027, insisting that he would continue with the position he adopted during the 2023 presidential election.
He said, “I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam, I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again.
“I know this statement pains the unbelievers. I am a Muslim who preaches Islam. If I say Muslim-Muslim, what have I taken away from them?”
But Kwankwaso, in an interview with DCL Hausa, described Tinubu as a politician who believes in balance and fairness, citing his record as Lagos State governor.
He said: “I know His Excellency Bola Tinubu is a man who values balance and fairness. For all the governors he supported in Lagos, he ensured a Muslim/Christian or Christian/Muslim ticket. Even when he was the governor of Lagos, all his deputies were Christians.
“Even in his own home, he practices a Muslim/Christian ticket ‘in the other room(Tinubu/Remi).”
Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid renewed debate over the religious composition of political tickets as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jingir has maintained that his advocacy for a Muslim-Muslim ticket is based on his personal conviction and his belief that Nigerian Muslims should support candidates who share his political and religious outlook.
