The 2027 Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has distanced the people of Kano from what he described as “divisive remarks” allegedly made by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, at an event in the state over the weekend.
Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, expressed concern over the comments attributed to Jingir, warning that statements capable of promoting division and disunity should be firmly discouraged, particularly at a critical period in the country’s history.
He said it was especially troubling that such remarks were coming from a religious leader with the stature and influence of Sheikh Jingir.
“I am deeply concerned by the comments made by Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir at an event in Kano this weekend,” Kwankwaso said.
“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.”
The former Kano State governor stressed that the remarks should not be interpreted as reflecting the position of the people of Kano, insisting that residents of the state do not endorse or support what he characterised as divisive rhetoric.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he declared.
Kwankwaso also called on political and religious leaders to recognise the weight of their influence and exercise greater responsibility in their public utterances.
According to him, leaders have a duty to promote truth, unity and reconciliation rather than make statements that could deepen existing divisions within the country.
“Political and religious leaders alike carry a solemn responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity, and advance reconciliation,” he said.
“We must not lend our voices to utterances capable of undermining the very foundation of our nationhood.”
The statement comes against the backdrop of increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested electoral cycle.
Kwankwaso used the opportunity to frame the forthcoming elections as a referendum on the performance of the current administration, urging Nigerians to use their votes to reward effective governance and reject poor performance.
He argued that the 2027 elections would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to make their judgment at the ballot box.
“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,” he said.
Kwankwaso concluded by declaring that, in his assessment, the present administration had earned rejection from the electorate.
“This administration has earned the latter,” he said, referring to his call for Nigerians to reject poor performance at the polls.
He ended the statement with a prayer for the country, saying: “God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has distanced the people of Kano from what he described as “divisive remarks” allegedly made by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, at an event in the state over the weekend.){kind=link}