Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticised the National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, over his recent comment on the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The cleric had, at a mass wedding ceremony organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples on Saturday, renewed his call for Muslims to vote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming general election because he picked a Muslim running mate.
Jingir, who has been a vocal supporter of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, said those against the arrangement were free to go for their preferred candidates.
“My candidate is Bola Ahmad Bola Tinubu. The President selected a Muslim as his vice. I am one of those who called people to support the Muslim-Muslim ticket. I know some non-Muslims don’t like the word Muslim-Muslim. As a Muslim who preaches Islam, if I support Muslim-Muslim, what is my offence? What have I done wrong? I don’t stop anyone who believes or supports another candidate from doing the same.” Jingir said.
However, many Nigerians have faulted Jingir, saying his comments could incite hatred and disrupt the country’s fragile peace.
Reacting in a post on his social media handles on Monday, Kwankwaso, also a former Kano State Governor, said he was deeply troubled by Jingir’s remarks.
He warned against making statements capable of promoting division and disunity at the critical moment in the country’s history.
“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. It is particularly troubling to hear such rhetoric from a religious leader of Sheikh Jingir’s stature and influence.”
Kwankwaso said religious and political leaders have solemn responsibility to uphold and foster unity, urging them to avoid making divisive statements.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks.
“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 said that the 2027 elections would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to support or reject leaders based on their performances.
“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.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” he added.
