Vice-Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned comments by Islamic scholar, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, on the Muslim-Muslim ticket, describing them as capable of promoting division and disunity in the country.
Kwankwaso, who reacted in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, said he was deeply concerned by Jingir’s comments at an event in Kano over the weekend.
He said political and religious leaders had a responsibility to promote unity, truth and reconciliation, particularly at a critical period in the nation’s history.
“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that it was particularly troubling to hear such comments from a religious leader of Jingir’s stature and influence.
Kwankwaso further stated that the people of Kano did not support what he described as divisive remarks.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.
The former Kano State governor urged political and religious leaders to be mindful of the consequences of their public utterances, stressing that they should avoid statements capable of undermining the unity of the country.
“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,” he added.
Kwankwaso also used the opportunity to comment on the 2027 general elections, saying the polls would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration.
He said Nigerians would reward good governance with their votes and reject what he described as poor performance at the polls.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He concluded the statement by praying for the peace and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
