2027: Opposition mounts against APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket

***It’s a promotion of religious insensitivity, marginalisation, APC chieftain knocks Tinubu, Gov Bago

*** Gov Sani makes U-turn, picks Jerry Adams as running mate

From Isah Ladan Paiko (Minna) and Luka Shekara (Kaduna)

Fresh opposition has mounted against the All Progressives Congress (APC) retention of its Muslim-Muslim ticket at the both the presidential and governorship election in some states ahead of the 2027 general election.

While the APC uploaded a same faith ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shetimma for the presidency, it was same in Niger state, where the name of the incumbent, Mohahammad Umaru Bago was uploaded along with same Muslim running mate, Comrade Yakubu Garba.

This is as the governor of Kaduna state has corrected the muslim Muslim ticket which was allegedly forced on him by former Governor Nadir el’ Rufai in 2023.

After running a same faith ticket with Hadiza Balarabe in 2023, Governor Uba Sani announced a Christian from Southern Kaduna, Jerry Adams as his running mate ahead of the February 2027 governorship election in the state.
Condemning the retention of Muslim Muslim ticket by President Tinubu and Governor Bago in Niger state, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Jonathan Vatsa described the ticket as religiously insensitive and marginalisation.

Vatsa, a former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, warned that such divisive political calculation should not be promoted especially at this moment when Nigeria is being watched by the major world powers, with allegations of Christian humiliations and marginalisation.

He also commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for moving away from what he described as a divisive tradition of former governor Nadir El’rufai, and choosing a Christian as his running mate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He described the Kaduna state governor’s decision to pick a Christian from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District as his deputy as a reflection of political maturity, fairness and religious sensitivity, stressing that the governor has distinguished himself from his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, by embracing what he described as a “faith-balanced” ticket.

He emphasised that unlike the presidency and the Niger state governor, who insisted on their Muslim-Muslim ticket, Governor Uba Sani’s decision would promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen political inclusion and reassure Christians in Kaduna State of their place in governance.

“I want to commend Governor Uba Sani for this singular gesture towards the Christian community in Kaduna State.

“He has distinguished himself from those who profess love for Christians publicly but sideline them when it comes to appointments and elective offices,” Vatsa said.

He urged Christians in Kaduna State to rally behind Governor Sani, insisting that the governor deserved their support for what he described as an inclusive approach to leadership.

Vatsa, however, reiterated his opposition to the Muslim-Muslim tickets adopted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, describing the arrangement as politically insensitive and unacceptable.

“I stand by my earlier condemnation of the same-faith ticket at the federal level and in Niger State. These decisions are politically insensitive and unacceptable.

“Even if you don’t like the messenger, you should take the message. You don’t go to church to sing choruses and dance with Christians and when it comes to appointments or elective offices, you marginalise them,” he said.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Tuesday announced the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adams, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The governor described the choice as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to inclusion, justice, fairness and equitable governance, adding that the decision was taken after a wide consultations, deep reflection and prayers,

He emphasised that the choice of Jerry Adams was more than the selection of a deputy governorship candidate but a deliberate step towards consolidating peace and unity in the state.

The governor acknowledged that the rich diversity of ethnicities, religions and cultures in the state remain its greatest strength, adding that his administration has consistently pursued policies that promote inclusion and ensure that every citizen has a sense of belonging.

He explained further that his administration had worked to heal old divisions since he came on board in May 2023, by extending the dividends of democracy to all parts of the state through investments in roads, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture, rural development and social protection across the 23 local government areas.

He described Adams as an accomplished public servant, renowned tax administrator and institution builder whose leadership had transformed KADIRS into one of Nigeria’s most respected revenue agencies through innovation, transparency and professionalism.

He noted further that the improved revenue generation under Adams had enhanced the state’s fiscal capacity, enabling greater investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other critical sectors that directly impact the lives of residents.

While describing his running mate as a man of integrity, humility and quiet strength, who has consistently demonstrated commitment to peace, reconciliation and inclusive governance, the governor called on the people of Kaduna State to support the ticket and rise above religious, ethnic and regional considerations and embrace a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and united state where every citizen enjoys equal opportunity and every community can thrive.