2027: Group urges Gov Bago to choose Christian as running mate

A coalition of Christian leaders and stakeholders in Niger State has called on Governor Umaru Bago to choose a Christian as his running mate for 2027 governorship election, rejecting the continuation of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the state.

The group, operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders, made the demand during a press briefing in Minna, arguing that Christians have been marginalised in the state’s governance for nearly two decades.

The coalition appealed to Governor Bago and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the party presents a Muslim-Christian governorship ticket for 2027 election.

“We are calling on the governor and all major stakeholders of the APC to facilitate the emergence of a Christian Deputy Governor for the 2027 governorship election. We vehemently reject the continuous Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket, considering our contributions, dedication and population in the state,” the group said.

Addressing journalists, the coalition’s chairman, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, claimed that Christians account for more than 45 per cent of the state’s population but have continued to face exclusion from key positions in government.

He further alleged that during the recently concluded APC primaries, some qualified Christian politicians who aspired to elective offices were pressured to abandon their ambitions because of their religious background.

Vatsa warned that while Christians had accepted what he described as marginalisation in previous administrations, including during the 2023 elections, they would no longer remain silent.

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Describing a same-faith governorship ticket as insensitive to the state’s religious diversity, he maintained that there are competent and loyal Christian members of the APC in Niger East Senatorial District (Zone B) who are qualified to serve as deputy governor.

“Information available to us indicates that Christians constitute a significant proportion of the population in Zone B. Therefore, it is only fair that the deputy governorship position should be given to a Christian from the zone.

“Although we supported your governorship candidature in 2023, this time we are demanding that the APC’s ticket reflects fairness, equity and inclusiveness by ensuring that a Christian emerges as your running mate,” Vatsa said.

The coalition said it had assessed Governor Bago’s relationship with the Christian community, including his visits to churches and support for Christian activities, expressing confidence that he would consider its request.

It added that after extensive consultations, members unanimously agreed to support Governor Bago’s second-term bid if he picks a Christian as his deputy for the 2027 election.