The build-up to the 2027 governorship election in Niger State has taken a new dimension as the Concerned Northern Christian Women Forum (CNCWF), Niger State chapter, challenged Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago over what it described as the persistent exclusion of Christians from key political positions in the state.
The group warned that while Christians had consistently supported successive administrations, they were increasingly being sidelined in appointments and elective offices, urging the governor to correct the perceived imbalance in the interest of equity, justice and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing journalists in Minna on Sunday, the forum’s Chairperson, Mrs. Grace Zegi, flanked by the Secretary, Mrs. Florence Dada, criticised the governor’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket for the 2027 election, saying the move failed to reflect the religious diversity of Niger State.
According to the forum, although the Constitution does not prohibit a same-faith ticket, political leadership should be guided by inclusiveness and sensitivity to the feelings of all religious groups.
The women said they were disappointed that despite sustained appeals from Christian organisations and other stakeholders for a more balanced political arrangement, the governor opted to maintain the existing formula.
“We are not questioning the governor’s constitutional powers. Our concern is about fairness, inclusion and the need for every religious group to have a sense of belonging in the governance of the state,” the forum said.
It argued that with Nigeria facing deep socio-economic and security challenges, leaders should pursue policies capable of strengthening unity rather than creating perceptions of exclusion.
The forum maintained that Governor Bago and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had an opportunity to reinforce public confidence by adopting a governorship ticket that reflects the state’s religious diversity.
“Our strength lies in our diversity. Leadership should mirror that diversity and reassure every citizen that no section of the state is excluded from the highest levels of governance,” the group stated.
The women also pointed to the zoning principle, which has become an accepted feature of politics in Niger State, insisting that religious balancing should receive similar consideration in political appointments and leadership selection.
They stressed that Christians constitute a significant segment of the state’s population and should enjoy equitable representation in government.
While acknowledging the governor’s constitutional right to nominate a running mate of his choice, the forum insisted that Christians remain underrepresented in the current administration.
“We supported this government because we believed in its vision, but support should not translate into exclusion. During elections, Christians are mobilised as critical stakeholders, yet when appointments are made, they are largely overlooked.
“We are simply asking for equity, fairness and equal representation in governance,” the forum added.
The group urged Governor Bago to use the remaining period of his first term to address what it described as the marginalisation of Christians through more inclusive appointments, saying such a move would strengthen public trust and reinforce the administration’s commitment to justice and unity ahead of the 2027 elections.