Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has condemned religiously divisive remarks made by a caller during a live radio interview in Nasarawa State, warning against narratives that deepen religious divisions in the country.
Kwankwaso reacted during an interview on Option 92.3 FM, Akwanga, monitored by The News Chronicle, after a caller identified as Umar from Wamba accused him of unfairly criticising the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and blamed Christian former leaders for Nigeria’s persistent challenges.
Speaking in Hausa, the caller told the former Kano State governor that his position on the Muslim-Muslim ticket was unfair because he was a Muslim himself.
He said, “Your statement against the Muslim-Muslim ticket is not fair. Remember that you’re a Muslim. The infidels are responsible for the woes of this country.”
Responding to the caller, Kwankwaso described the remarks as unfortunate, arguing that such religiously charged statements should not dominate public discourse when Nigeria is grappling with more pressing challenges requiring urgent attention.
The former governor also linked the persistence of such divisive narratives to the high level of illiteracy in some parts of the country, suggesting that limited access to education contributes to the spread of religious intolerance and sentiments that undermine national unity.
Kwankwaso’s response comes amid renewed political debates over religion and leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the Muslim-Muslim ticket remaining a contentious issue in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate is in Akwanga alongside the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for a town hall engagement as part of their consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for the party’s candidates to interact with residents and discuss issues shaping the country’s political and socio-economic future.
