A coalition of Christian leaders in Niger State has intensified pressure on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urging Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to nominate a Christian as his running mate if he seeks re-election in 2027. The group argues that continued exclusion of Christians from the state’s highest elective offices would undermine fairness and inclusiveness.
The debate over religious balancing in Nigerian politics has resurfaced in Niger State after a coalition of Christian stakeholders warned that it would oppose another Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
The group says the time has come for the APC to reflect the state’s religious diversity by selecting a Christian deputy governorship candidate if Governor Umaru Bago contests for a second term.
Speaking at a press briefing in Minna, the coalition—under the banner of Concerned Christian Stakeholders in Niger State—argued that Christians constitute a significant portion of the state’s population and deserve greater political representation.
The group’s spokesperson, Jude Johnson, said qualified Christian politicians had allegedly been sidelined during the APC’s recent primary process and urged party leaders to ensure the 2027 governorship ticket reflects religious balance and inclusiveness.
The coalition maintained that while its members remain committed to supporting the APC and Governor Bago, they would strongly oppose another same-faith governorship ticket.
According to the group, adopting a Muslim-Christian ticket would better promote equity, strengthen unity and acknowledge the contributions of Christians to the state’s political development.
The demand comes amid renewed national conversations about religious balancing in elective offices following debates surrounding same-faith political tickets in recent election cycles.
Political analysts note that although Nigeria’s Constitution does not require religious balancing, many parties have traditionally sought geographical and religious diversity when selecting running mates to broaden electoral appeal.
With preparations for the 2027 elections already gathering momentum, the position taken by Christian leaders in Niger State is expected to add another dimension to discussions over candidate selection within the APC. Whether the party adjusts its strategy or maintains its current approach could become a key issue as campaigns draw closer.