Kwankwaso Criticizes Tinubu's Muslim-Muslim Ticket for 2027 Election

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), criticized President Bola Tinubu's decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2027 presidential election. During a July 20, 2026, interview on Channels Television, Kwankwaso argued that religious balance is essential for national belonging in Nigeria's diverse society. He suggested that the president still has time to substitute candidates to create a more balanced ticket.

Kwankwaso further defended the NDC alliance between himself and presidential candidate Peter Obi, claiming the duo provides solutions for economic decay, insecurity, and education. During the broadcast, he also dismissed allegations of extremism and religious persecution found in a proposed U.S. bill as politically motivated, stating he has no assets outside Nigeria to be frozen.

In response, Umar Tanko Yakasai, Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group, dismissed the criticisms during a development conference in Abuja. Yakasai asserted that the 2023 election results proved voters prioritize competence over religion. He argued that the administration has moved from exclusion to integration, citing high-profile federal appointments and infrastructure projects in the North-Central zone as evidence of inclusive governance.