Niger christians demand for 2027 Deputy Governor’s position
By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
Christians in Niger state under the aegis of the Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders has demanded for Muslim/ Christian ticket insisting that the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago should pick Christian candidate as his running mate for the 2027 general elections.
The Coalition stated this in a press briefing in Minna on Tuesday insisting that Christians in the state have been marginalised for almost two decades in the affairs of governance in Niger state.
” We are calling on the Governor and all major stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate the emergence of a Christian Deputy Governor for the 2027 Gubernatorial elections.We vehemently reject the continuous Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket giving our contributions, dedication and population in the state”.
Addressing journalists, the Chairman of the Coalition, Honourable Jonathan Vatsa explained that Christians constitute over forty five percent (45%) in terms of population, adding that, “the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians. In the just concluded Primaries of the APC, qualified and popular Christian politicians who aspired to contest and be voted into various elective positions were compelled to drop their ambitions because of their religion”.
He arguedthat if Christians had allowed marginalisation and deliberate segregation during the previous administrations especially during the 2023 elections, they will not tolerate it this second term of the Governor.
Vasta described same faith (Muslim-Muslim) ticket as insensitive to the state’s religious diversity insisting that there are capable Christian hands in Niger East (Zone B) Senatorial District who have the prerequisite requirements and are dedicated members of the APC for the 2027 deputy governorship position.
” Information at our disposal, indicates that we have more of Christians in Zone B of the state, then why not give the body a fair treatment by picking a Deputy from amongst Christians. Even though, we supported your governorship candidature during the 2023 elections, this time around, we are demanding that the APC’s ticket reflects fairness, equity and inclusiveness by ensuring a Christian becomes your Deputy”, the Coalition urged Governor Bago.
The coalition said it has extensively evaluated the Governor’s track records in visiting churches his support for the Christian community, concluding that as a leader who is committed to the socio-religious balance of the state, the Governor will not hesitate to do the needful. “This time around after series of meetings and consultations, we have unanimously agreed to pitch our tent and declare our full support for Governor Bago’s second term bid if he yields to our demand for a Christian Deputy”.
