2027: Christian group tasks Gov  Bago. to pick a Christian as runingmate or loose support 

From Daniel Ebi, Minna 

A pro political Christian group in Niger State, known as Coalition of concerned Christian stakeholders have ahead of the forthcoming 2027 governorship election tasked Governor Muhammad Umar Bago to pick a Christian as runingmate.

The group emphasized that failure to pick a Christian as runingmate by the governor, will amount to huge lost of massive votes) support of the Christians.

The coalition made their position known during a press briefing at the correspondents chapel office of the NUJ in Minna on Tuesday.

Jude Johnson, Secretary of the coalition flanked by the Chairman, Hon. Jonathan Vstsa  said Christians in the state vehemently reject the continuous Muslim – Muslim Governorship ticket given the contribution,  dedication, and Christian population in the state.

” In Niger State Christians are over fourty five percent in terms of population, the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians

” In the just concluded primaries of the APC, qualified and popular Christians politicians who aspired to contest and be voted into various elective positions were compiled to drop their ambition because of their ambition”

The group insisted that, they  had enough of the marginalisation and will no longer tolerate being sidelined.

” If we allowed marginalisation and deliberate segregation during the previous administration, and especially during the 2023 election, we will not tolerate it this time second term “

Hon . Jonathan who also spoke said their demand should not be misconstrued to be fighting Muslims,but demand for equity and justice.

” Muslim – Muslim ticket is insensitive to the state religious diversity”

They therefore called on Governor Muhammad Umar Bago to look towards zone B senatorial District for capable  and competent Christian candidates who has the prerequisite requirements and dedicated members of APC who can serve as Deputy Governor.

” Even though, we supported your Governorship ( Bago) candidature during the 2023 election, this time around, we are demanding that the APC’s ticket reflects fairness, equity and inclusiveness by ensuring a Christian becomes your deputy”

According to them, after an extensive evaluation of the Governor Bago’s track record in visiting Churches and haven critically and examined his support for the Christian community, they believe he would respond to their demand positively.

” As a leader who is committed to the socio- religious balance of the state, you you will not hesitate to do the needful”

They also pledged to support the second term ambition of the Governor, but noted that they he must yield to their demand of a Deputy Governor

”  And so, we are calling on the farmer Governor not to undermine the gentility of Christians in the state, because anything short of Christian Deputy may amount to all Christians in the State may source for alternatives”

The group appealed to the Governor as a leader to promote inclusivity and redure tension and foster peaceful coexistence among different religious groups.