Kwankwaso made the comment while reacting to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who has declared his continued support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket and urged Nigerian Muslims to back the arrangement in 2027.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, Kwankwaso described President Bola Tinubu as a politician who values balance and fairness, particularly in his political appointments and choice of running mates.
“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,” he said.
He, however, made a pointed reference to Tinubu’s marriage to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, saying the President already has a Muslim-Christian arrangement in his private life.
“Even in his own home, he practices a Muslim/Christian ticket ‘in the other room’ — Tinubu/Remi,” Kwankwaso said.
His comment came after Jingir, the leader of the Izala Scholars Council, reaffirmed his support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket during a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government.
“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.
The cleric later defended his position during an interview with the BBC, insisting that he had no regrets despite the criticism his remarks generated.
“I have no regrets. I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say will not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands,” he said.
Jingir maintained that his position was based on his religious convictions and not an attempt to campaign for Tinubu.
The comments have continued to generate controversy, with critics accusing the cleric of promoting religious division, while his supporters have defended his right to express his views on the political arrangement.
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