Says “We are not second class citizens”
Report by Mairo Mohammed Allawa & Daniel Atori
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, a group under the aegis of Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders in Niger state has on Tuesday warned that it will seek for an alternative option if a Christian candidate is not picked to serve as Deputy Governor in the 2027 Gubernatorial elections in Niger state.
Chairman of the Coalition and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC in Niger state, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, stated this while addressing Newsmen in Minna the Niger state capital, vehemently rejected the continuation of a Muslim-Muslim Governorship ticket due to their contributions, dedication and population.
The Coalition then called on the Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago and stakeholders of the APC in the state to as a matter of urgency facilitate the emergence of a Christian Deputy Governor in the 2027 General elections.
According to him “Christians in Niger state constitute over forty five percent in terms of population, the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians especially in the just concluded APC Primaries.
“Most of the Christian Candidates were compelled to drop their ambitions in the name of zoning arrangements but ofcourse, we know it is because of their religion”.
Vatsa who was one time Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state further disclosed that “we have capable hands that have the pedigree to be Deputy Governor in Zone B and what we are demanding is only inclusiveness and fair representation”.
He insisted that Christians in Niger state cannot accept another four years of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, as they cannot be treated as second class citizens. If they do not pick a Christian as Deputy and if our demand is not met, we may seek alternative elsewhere”.
Also speaking Secretary of the Coalition, Comrade Jude Johnson added that their demands were not religious issue but for justice, equity, inclusivity and fairness.
He then urged Governor Bago to adhere strictly to their demands, saying “we voted for him in 2023 and we will only vote for him in 2027 if he picks a Christian as his Deputy.”
