- Kwankwaso criticised Tinubu for retaining a Muslim-Muslim ticket
- He said Nigeria needs an inclusive and balanced presidential ticket
- Kwankwaso also expressed confidence that the NDC will contest the 2027 election
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Eko Hot Blog reports that Kwankwaso urged the President to reconsider the composition of the ticket, saying there was still time before the substitution deadline to adopt a more inclusive arrangement.
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According to him, Tinubu has previously demonstrated balance in political appointments and should reflect the same principle in selecting a running mate.
“I’m surprised that the President has chosen to present the same type of ticket again. I believe there is still enough time before the substitution deadline to put forward a more balanced ticket,” he said.
Kwankwaso recalled that when he sought the presidency in 2023, he deliberately selected a Christian cleric as his running mate to ensure religious inclusiveness.
“When I was searching for a running mate, I chose an archbishop so we could move forward together and every section of the country would feel represented,” he stated.
The former Kano State governor also argued that Nigerians, particularly young people, are more concerned about improved living standards than ethnic or religious politics.
He maintained that the NDC alliance was focused on addressing insecurity, economic hardship and citizens’ welfare, insisting that critics of the coalition were out of touch with the realities confronting many communities, especially in northern Nigeria.
“People are exhausted by the current situation. They want leadership that can improve their lives, strengthen security and enhance their welfare. Those attacking our ticket are not fully aware of the realities in northern Nigeria today,” he said.
Responding to reports of a proposed United States bill that allegedly mentioned his name in connection with claims of religious persecution and communal violence, Kwankwaso dismissed the allegations as politically driven.
He said he had no assets outside Nigeria that could be affected by any foreign action and insisted the matter had already lost relevance.
“I have no assets outside Nigeria, so there is nothing to freeze. Everyone has opponents. Some people simply forwarded my name, but the facts have emerged and that issue is no longer a concern,” he said.
Kwankwaso also expressed confidence that pending legal disputes involving the NDC would not stop the party from participating in the 2027 elections.
“I do not believe any respected judge would be quick to prevent the NDC from taking part in the 2027 election,” he added.
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