Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso , the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) , has strongly condemned controversial remarks made by Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir . In a statement released on Monday, August 10, 2026, Kwankwaso described the cleric’s assertions as deeply divisive, un-Islamic, and capable of undermining national unity. He emphasized that religious leaders carry a solemn responsibility to foster peace and reconciliation rather than stir up disunity at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history.

The controversy stems from a viral video of Sheikh Jingir speaking at a government-sponsored mass wedding ceremony for 1,500 couples in Kano State . In his address, the cleric claimed that Nigeria is an Islamic state, insisted that the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket has come to stay, and suggested that opponents of the arrangement should leave the country. He further sparked widespread outrage by alleging that Christians were responsible for a past Kano mosque bombing that claimed numerous lives. Disassociating the region from the rhetoric, Kwankwaso explicitly stated that the good people of Kano do not endorse or support such dangerous and inflammatory sentiments.

The controversial remarks have triggered widespread criticism from both Christian and Muslim communities across Nigeria. Religious leaders and citizens alike have warned that such inflammatory statements could ignite a fresh crisis and further deepen the existing ethno-religious divide between the two major faiths.

In reaction to the growing backlash, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso released an official statement on his Facebook page on Monday. The NDC vice presidential candidate expressed deep concern over the cleric’s weekend address in Kano, firmly distancing the state and its leadership from the divisive rhetoric.

Kwankwaso emphasized that Nigeria is currently navigating a highly volatile and critical period in its history. He cautioned that the country can ill afford any language or sentiments that promote division, disunity, or mutual suspicion among its citizens.

“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged,” Kwankwaso said.

The former Kano State governor expressed particular concern that the remarks came from Jingir, whom he described as a religious leader with significant stature and influence.

He, however, insisted that the people of Kano did not support or endorse what he described as the cleric’s divisive remarks.

“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged political and religious leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements, stressing the need for them to promote truth, unity and reconciliation.

According to him, leaders should avoid utterances that could weaken national cohesion or threaten the foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood.

“Political and religious leaders alike carry a solemn responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity, and advance reconciliation,” he said.

The NDC vice presidential candidate also linked the controversy to the 2027 general elections, saying the polls would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration.

He said voters would have the opportunity to reward good governance at the ballot box while rejecting what he 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,” Kwankwaso said.