'Muslim-Muslim ticket is fraud to deceive voters' – Bugaje

Political activist and Islamic scholar Dr Usman Bugaje has described the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket as a "fraud", accusing politicians of exploiting religion to win over Muslim voters without addressing the issues affecting them. During a one-day summit organized by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria in Kano, Bugaje addressed the challenges faced by Muslims in the country, including insecurity, poverty, religious discrimination, governance, and the impact of government policies.

He argued that having Muslim leaders in government does not guarantee the protection of Muslim interests, highlighting persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and other social problems as evidence of political leadership failures. Bugaje specifically criticized the use of the Muslim-Muslim ticket as a means to gain votes without making significant improvements to people's safety and living conditions.

He also raised concerns about ongoing Boko Haram activity around Maiduguri and the dangerous security situation in Sokoto State, where travel between the capital and Isa Local Government Area is limited. Regarding Nigeria's reliance on imported medicines, Bugaje emphasized the need to develop local pharmaceutical industries and protect the country's territorial integrity.

He warned about the growing drug abuse among young people and women, stating that this issue threatens the social and economic well-being of Muslim communities.