By Daniel Atori & Musa Ibrahim
As permutations for the 2027 general elections begin, a group under the auspices of Nigerian Christian Youths in Politics (NICYP), Niger state Chapter has called on Governor Umaru Bago to choose a Christian running mate.
The group while calling on the Governor and the ruling All Progressives Congress APC not to undermine their appeal, said it was the first Christian political group to endorse Bago as Governor in 2023.
The group told Journalists on Sunday in Minna that, one of the aims is to add their voices in support of an earlier appeal by the Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders led by Hon Jonathan Vatsa.
According to Secretary of the group, Comrade Barde Christopher Jesse “we urge the Governor and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to give this appeal thoughtful consideration in the interest of equity, justice, and the continued peace and stability of our state choose a Christian running mate as his Deputy for the 2027 Gubernatorial elections.
“As youths who believe in inclusive governance and equal opportunities, we respectfully appeal to Governor Bago to consider selecting a competent and credible Christian as his running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial election”.
Furthermore, he said the appeal is not intended to promote religious division or diminish the qualifications of any individual, but a call for balanced representation that recognizes the contributions of all segments of our society.
Accordingly, he said “a balanced governorship ticket that reflects the religious diversity of our state would further strengthen public confidence, deepen unity, foster a stronger sense of belonging, and reinforce the principle that every citizen has a place in the governance of Niger State.
“We have many qualified Christian sons and daughters of Niger State who possess the integrity, competence, experience, and capacity to serve effectively as Deputy Governor”.
He however declared support for the Governor’s re-election saying “we are 100 percent in support of the Farmer governor’s second term bid but there should be equal and fair representation of the two major religions”.
Also, the Coordinator of the group representing Zone C, Comrade Gankon Bulus while responding to questions said “we feel deprived and marginalised by the party; even the party Primaries that took place, we are not happy about it; Out of the 27 House of Assembly positions, only one from Munya LGA is a Christian. This does not augur well with us as a Group.
Gankon then warned that, there could be surprises in the forthcoming general elections if the status quo remains, saying that “this 2027 election, you might be looking at it as a child’s play but there may be a shocking surprise.
“When it is time for politicking, they remember Christians and come to us to mobilise votes, but after victory and it is time to appoint or select, we are side-lined. If Governor Bago truly believes in equity and fairness, he should do the needful”.
