News Investigators/ The Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders (CCCS) in Niger has called on Niger State Gover or, Umaru Bago to nominate a Christian as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
Jonathan Vatsa, Chairman of the coalition, made the call at a news conference in Minna on Tuesday.
He pointed out that the move would promote equity, fairness and inclusive governance in the state.
Mr Vatsa also urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that a Christian emerged as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
He said that the coalition opposed the possibility of another Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket, arguing that it did not reflect the state’s religious diversity.
According to him, Christians constitute a significant segment of the state’s population and deserve adequate representation in the state’s political leadership.
Mr Vatsa alleged that qualified Christian politicians were sidelined during the APC’s recent political processes.
“We are calling on the governor and all stakeholders of the APC to facilitate the emergence of a Christian deputy governor for the 2027 governorship election.
“We believe there are competent and committed Christian members of the APC, particularly from Niger East Senatorial District, who possess the requisite qualifications to serve as deputy governor,” he said.
The coalition chairman said members had unanimously resolved to support Bago’s second-term bid if the party conceded its demand for a Christian running mate.
He, however, cautioned that failure to address the concerns of Christians could compel members of the faith to consider alternative political options ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mr Vatsa maintained that the coalition’s position was driven by the need to promote justice, equity, inclusiveness and balanced representation in governance, rather than religious considerations alone.
He urged the governor to strengthen religious harmony by ensuring that the state’s leadership reflected its diverse population.
Mr Vatsa also appealed to Christians across the state to remain united in their pursuit of what he described as legitimate and equitable political representation.
According to him, inclusive governance will foster peaceful coexistence, strengthen democracy and promote unity among the people of the state.
NAN