2027: Christian leaders demand deputy governorship slot in Niger APC, challenge Muslim-Muslim ticket

Christian leaders in Niger State have intensified calls for greater political inclusion ahead of the 2027 general election, demanding that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago pick a Christian running mate if he seeks a second term under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The demand, championed by the Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders (CCCS), has reignited debate over religious representation, zoning, internal party democracy and inclusive governance in the state.

The coalition insists its campaign is not about promoting religious division but ensuring fairness and equitable representation, arguing that Christians have become increasingly marginalised in elective and appointive positions despite constituting a significant portion of the state’s population.

The agitation follows months of complaints by Christian groups over alleged exclusion during the APC’s National Assembly primaries, where they claimed consensus arrangements sidelined Christian aspirants.

Former Niger State Commissioner for Information and APC chieftain, Jonathan Vatsa, has also warned the ruling party against presenting another Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket, saying such a move could alienate Christian voters.

Addressing journalists in Minna, the coalition’s Secretary, Comrade Jude Johnson, said Christians supported Governor Bago’s emergence in 2023 but would expect greater inclusion if the APC seeks their support again in 2027.

“We demand a Christian deputy,” the coalition declared, urging the governor to consider a qualified Christian from Niger East (Zone B) for the position.

The group pointed to what it described as an imbalance in the state’s political structure, noting that the offices of governor, deputy governor, Speaker, Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff are all occupied by Muslims.

It also observed that the state’s three senators, 11 members of the House of Representatives, most lawmakers in the House of Assembly, the majority of commissioners and nearly all local government chairmen are Muslims.

According to the coalition, Christians now hold only three seats in the 27-member House of Assembly, three commissioner positions and just one local government chairmanship.

The group argued that the current level of representation falls short of reflecting the state’s religious diversity.

Political analyst Bala John noted that Christians enjoyed broader participation in previous administrations, particularly during the tenure of former Governors Abdulkadir Kure and Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, when they occupied key government positions.

Vatsa acknowledged that Christians were not sufficiently organised politically in the past but insisted the situation had changed.

“Yes, we were docile, but it is better late than never. We are awake now,” he said.

He also maintained that he had consistently opposed Muslim-Muslim tickets, including the APC’s presidential ticket in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has declined to comment on the coalition’s demand.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, said he was unaware of the coalition’s position but noted that Vatsa was entitled to his personal views.

The APC in Niger State has yet to officially respond to the calls.

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