Dr Usman Bugaje has criticised Nigeria’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing it as a “fraud” used to deceive voters, while questioning the benefits it has brought to Nigerian Muslims.
Bugaje spoke on Saturday, October 24, at a summit organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria at its national headquarters in Farm Centre, Kano. The meeting brought together Islamic scholars and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing Muslims and the country.
He questioned the value of the ticket amid persistent insecurity and economic hardship affecting communities across northern Nigeria.
The controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket gained prominence during the 2023 presidential election, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) fielded Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, as its presidential candidate and Kashim Shettima, also a Muslim, as his running mate.
At the summit, Bugaje cited the security situation around Maiduguri, Borno State, alleging that Boko Haram insurgents continued to operate in the area, collect taxes and settle disputes through their own courts.
He also raised concerns about insecurity in Sokoto State, claiming that movement between the state capital and Isa Local Government Area was restricted, with travellers relying on security support for some journeys.
Bugaje further questioned Nigeria’s dependence on imported medicines, claiming that about 70 per cent of drugs used in the country came from abroad. He also expressed concern about drug abuse among young people and women.
Professor Sulaiman Abdullahi Karwai of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, also spoke at the summit, questioning whether the Muslim-Muslim ticket had translated into meaningful benefits for Muslims.
The summit also addressed insecurity, economic hardship, religious discrimination and representation in government. In its communiqué, the forum called for stronger security measures, a review of economic policies and fairness in federal appointments.
The forum’s Acting Executive Secretary, Alhaji Dalhatu Muhammad Gwarzo, said a committee would be established to review the summit’s resolutions and develop an implementation plan.
