The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has defended the principle of religious balance in political leadership, saying President Bola Tinubu has historically supported Muslim-Christian power-sharing arrangements.
Kwankwaso made the remarks while reacting to comments by Islamic cleric Sani Jingir, who has called on Nigerian Muslims to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 election.
Jingir, speaking in Kano, said he remained committed to supporting a Muslim-Muslim ticket, as he did during the 2023 presidential election.
“I am one of those who raise the flag of Islam, I am calling on people to come and let us do Muslim-Muslim again,” Jingir said.
“I know this statement pains the unbelievers. I am a Muslim who preaches Islam. If I say Muslim-Muslim, what have I taken away from them?”
Reacting during an interview with DCL Hausa, Kwankwaso described President Tinubu as a politician who values balance and fairness.
He cited Tinubu’s political record in Lagos, where, according to him, the former governor supported administrations that reflected both Muslim and Christian representation.
“I know His Excellency Bola Tinubu is a man who values balance and fairness. For all the governors he supported in Lagos, he ensured a Muslim/Christian or Christian/Muslim ticket. Even when he was the governor of Lagos, all his deputies were Christians,” Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso then referred to Tinubu’s marriage to Remi Tinubu, saying the President maintained a Muslim-Christian pairing in his private life as well.
“Even in his own home, he practices a Muslim/Christian ticket ‘in the other room’ (Tinubu/Remi),” he said.
The comments come as political parties and religious groups intensify discussions over the configuration of presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 general election, with the issue of religious balancing expected to remain a major topic in the political debate.
