2027: Kaduna Gov Reportedly Set to Drop Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Picks Christian as Running Mate

As the deadline for political parties to submit governorship candidates and running mates to INEC draws closer, strong indications have emerged that Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has resolved to pick a Christian from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District as his running mate for the 2027 election.

The move, if confirmed, would mark a departure from the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai in 2019.

Sources familiar with the development told MOUTHPIECE NGR that Governor Sani has opted for a faith-balanced ticket, describing it as the most equitable arrangement for a state with Kaduna’s religious and ethnic diversity.

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Kaduna has largely maintained a tradition of balancing the governorship ticket between Christians and Muslims until 2019.

Ahmed Makarfi served with Stephen Shekari. After Shekari’s death, Makarfi appointed Patrick Yakowa. In 2007, Namadi Sambo retained Yakowa before becoming Vice President. Yakowa then became governor and picked Ramalan Yero as deputy.

Following Yakowa’s death in a 2012 helicopter crash, Yero assumed office and appointed Audu Nuhu Bajoga as deputy.

El-Rufai continued the tradition in 2015 by selecting Barnabas Yusuf Bala, _Bantex_, as running mate. However, ahead of the 2019 election, he replaced Bantex with Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, creating Kaduna’s first Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket.

Balarabe retained the position in 2023 when Sani emerged as APC candidate. Constitutional provisions barring a deputy from a third consecutive term have now made it impossible for her to continue, prompting the search for a new running mate.

Sources within the Government House said Governor Sani considered age, gender, zoning and religious balance before concluding that faith and senatorial representation should take precedence.

“The governor has decided that, in the interest of fairness, his ticket will be balanced in terms of religion,” a senior source said.

“Initially, there were considerations around age, gender, zoning and faith, but the governor resolved that even if other factors cannot be accommodated, balancing the ticket by religion and senatorial district should override every other consideration.”

The source added that Sani believes Southern Kaduna should retain the deputy governorship position, and that the occupant should be a Christian.

He disclosed that the governor is considering a shortlist but has kept the process confidential to avoid political pressure. Those reportedly under consideration include Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip; Head of Service, Mrs. Jummai Bako; and KADIRS Chairman, Jerry Adams.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibraheem Musa, declined to confirm or deny the report, saying the public would be informed at the appropriate time.

The development comes as ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, has already picked Irmiya Kantyok, a Christian from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate. Observers note Kudan’s consistent pairing with a Southern Kaduna Christian has earned him strong support in the zone.

Public affairs analyst, Haruna Nasarawa, said a faith-balanced ticket would boost APC’s chances and project Sani as an inclusive leader.

“If Governor Sani picks a Christian deputy governor, it will send a strong message of unity and demonstrate his commitment to carrying every section of Kaduna State along,” he said.

Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, also advised parties in diverse states to avoid same-faith tickets.

“For equity and fairness, political parties should ensure they field candidates for governor and deputy governor from different religious backgrounds. This will strengthen unity and guarantee equal representation,” Maraya said.

Quoting Ibn Taymiyyah, he added: “Allah helps a state that is just, even if it is under unbelievers, but He does not help a state that is unjust, even if it is under believers.”