Kano, Nigeria. The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir at an event in Kano, describing them as divisive and inappropriate at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.
In a statement, Kwankwaso expressed “deep concern” over the remarks and called on political and religious leaders to exercise greater responsibility in their public pronouncements.
According to Kwankwaso, statements capable of promoting division and disunity should be firmly discouraged, particularly when they come from influential religious figures whose words can have significant impact on their followers and the wider society.
“It is particularly troubling to hear such rhetoric from a religious leader of Sheikh Jingir’s stature and influence.”
RMK also sought to distance the people of Kano from the remarks attributed to the cleric, declaring that the state’s residents should not be assumed to endorse or support what was described as divisive rhetoric.
Call for unity
The statement urged religious and political leaders to prioritise national cohesion, truth and reconciliation, warning against rhetoric that could deepen existing divisions.
“Political and religious leaders alike carry a solemn responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity, and advance reconciliation,” RMK stated.
The intervention comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with competing political camps increasingly mobilising supporters across regional, religious and political lines.
2027 elections as verdict on governance
Turning to the next general election, RMK argued that Nigerians will have the opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration through the ballot box.
The statement said the 2027 election should provide citizens with an avenue to reward good governance while rejecting what it described as poor performance.
“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.”
The statement did not specify the particular policies or performance indicators underpinning the assessment, but its message places governance and electoral accountability at the centre of the emerging 2027 political contest.
A warning against divisive politics
RMK’s intervention reflects a growing concern among political stakeholders that religious and ethnic rhetoric could become a major feature of the 2027 electoral contest.
With Nigeria already facing serious challenges involving insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and political distrust, the statement urged leaders to avoid rhetoric capable of further weakening national cohesion.
The statement concluded with a prayer for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
