Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has rejected the idea of another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, saying Nigeria’s diverse religious composition makes a balanced ticket more appropriate for national unity and inclusion.
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, where he also dismissed allegations linking him to religious extremism and expressed confidence that the NDC presidential ticket will emerge victorious in the next presidential election.
Kwankwaso said the political mood across the country, particularly among young Nigerians, shows that citizens are more concerned about their daily struggles than issues of ethnicity or religion.
According to him, many Nigerians are demanding leadership capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship and unemployment.
He maintained that the electorate is increasingly focused on practical solutions that can improve living standards.
“People are tired of the situation they are in now. They want something new, something that can help their lives, something that can improve the security and welfare of the people of this country,” he said.
The former Kano State governor argued that some critics of the NDC alliance do not fully understand the realities confronting people in northern Nigeria.
He insisted that many residents of the region are more interested in effective governance than political narratives built around religious and ethnic identities.
“Those who are going against that ticket are not even conversant; they are not in touch with realities in northern Nigeria Today,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also addressed reports surrounding a proposed bill in the United States that allegedly mentioned his name in connection with claims of religious persecution and communal violence.
Responding to the allegations, he denied any wrongdoing and described the matter as politically motivated.
The NDC Vice presidential candidate said attempts were made by opponents to tarnish his image but maintained that the allegations had failed to gain traction.
“Let me start from the issue of assets. I have no asset anywhere outside Nigeria, so there is nothing to freeze,” he said.
He further stated that individuals who pushed the allegations were driven by political interests and not facts.
“Everybody has enemies. People decided to send my name here and there. But realities have now come out, and that issue is gone. It is no longer an issue,” he added.
When asked whether he believed his name had effectively been cleared, Kwankwaso replied, “I believe so.”
Speaking on preparations for the 2027 election, the NDC chieftain said religion is likely to remain a major topic in political discussions.
However, he expressed surprise that President Bola Tinubu is reportedly considering another Muslim-Muslim ticket for the next election cycle.
“I’m even surprised that the President again is presenting the same type of ticket,” he said.
Kwankwaso argued that Nigeria’s political leadership should reflect the country’s religious diversity. While acknowledging that there is nothing inherently wrong with candidates of the same faith running together, he maintained that a balanced ticket promotes inclusiveness and reassures different sections of the population.
According to him, President Tinubu has a history of balancing political interests and appointments and should consider doing the same in the choice of a running mate.
“I believe he still has time from now to the time of substitution to have a balanced ticket,” he stated.
The former governor pointed to his own experience during the 2023 election, explaining that he deliberately selected a Christian cleric as his running mate to ensure wider representation.
“When I was looking for somebody to run with me, I got an archbishop so that we can go together and everybody will have a sense of belonging,” he said.
Kwankwaso also referenced the 1993 Social Democratic Party presidential ticket of late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Babagana Kingibe.
He noted that discussions at the time centred largely on competence and popularity rather than religion.
“At that time, people were talking of competence, popularity and many other positive things,” he said.
On concerns that legal disputes involving the NDC could affect its participation in the 2027 general election, Kwankwaso expressed confidence that the courts would not stop the party from contesting.
He added that the judiciary would uphold democratic principles and allow voters to decide the fate of political parties at the ballot box. “I don’t think any respected judge will be in a hurry to say NDC should not participate in the 2027 election,” he said.