By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
Coalition of Concern Christian Stakeholders in Niger State has advocated for fair and equal representation of Christians in the formation of 2027 general elections under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group Secretary, Comrade Jude Johnson stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing held in Minna, insisting on the demand for Christian Deputy Governor or go for an alternative where their interest will be protected.
The Coalition under the aegis of the Concerned Christian Stakeholders, urged the State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago and all major stakeholders of the APC to facilitate the emergence of a Christian Deputy Governor for the 2027 Gubernatorial elections.
He disclosed that the group vehemently rejects the continuous Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket considering the Christians contributions, dedication and population in the state.
According to him, Christians are over 45% in terms of population in the state, arguing that the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians to the background in the just concluded party Primaries of the APC,
He alleged that 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.
Comrade Jude Johnson emphasized that having a Christian Deputy Governor in Niger State is not just about religion, but it is important because of inclusive representation, justice, equity and fairness, strengthened Democracy and unity of purpose.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Coalition, Hon. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa insisted on an equal representation of Christians in governance, hilighting that the group is on the same page with the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger state in the agitation of Christian deputy governor.
Jonathan Vatsa stated that allowing such marginalisation and deliberate segregation during the previous administration in the 2023 elections, they will not tolerate it this second time, saying that same faith (Muslim-Muslim) ticket is insensitive to the state’s religious diversity.
He said, “as a coalition, we declare that it is not politically, economically, educationally, or socially wise for us to accept another four years of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.”
According to him, this is a legitimate concern for equity, and no one can query our right to demand a seat at the table
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