2027: Kwankwaso slams Islamic cleric’s comments, says Kano rejects divisive remarks

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Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned comments attributed to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, in support of the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing them as divisive and capable of undermining national unity.

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Kwankwaso, in a statement on his official X account on Monday, said he was “deeply concerned” by the remarks made by Jingir at an event in Kano over the weekend.

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He said religious leaders, particularly those with significant influence, had a responsibility to promote peace, unity and reconciliation rather than make statements capable of deepening divisions.

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“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.

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He described it as particularly troubling that the comments came from Jingir, whom he referred to as a religious leader of considerable stature and influence.

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“It is particularly troubling to hear such rhetoric from a religious leader of Sheikh Jingir’s stature and influence,” he said.

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Kwankwaso also insisted that the people of Kano did not support the remarks, saying political and religious leaders must be guided by their responsibility to preserve national cohesion.

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“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.

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He added, “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.”

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On the 2027 general elections, Kwankwaso said Nigerians would have the opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration and determine whether it deserved another mandate.

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“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.

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