Nigerian Leaders Condemn Sani Jingir's Muslim-Muslim Ticket Calls

Islamic cleric Yahaya Sani Jingir sparked widespread political backlash after calling for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Speaking at a mass wedding in Kano, Jingir urged Muslims to vote in large numbers to demonstrate their numerical strength, asserting that Nigeria belongs to Muslims and referring to Christians as infidels.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress and former governor of Kano State, condemned the remarks as divisive. Kwankwaso stated that the people of Kano do not support such rhetoric and argued that political and religious leaders must foster unity rather than undermine nationhood. He further suggested that the 2027 elections would allow Nigerians to reject poor governance.

Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode labeled Jingir's comments extremist and reckless. Fani-Kayode argued that the rhetoric could alienate Christian voters and damage the reelection prospects of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima by providing the opposition with political leverage.

Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, also rejected the call for a religious-based ticket. Tanko asserted that political choices should be guided by competence and accountability rather than faith, declaring his support for a proposed ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as a platform for national unity.