Christian Group Raises Alarm, Urges US to Oppose Muslim-Muslim Ticket for 2027

.... Calls on the United States government to prevail on the Nigerian government to abandon plans to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 general election, warning that such a move could further heighten religious tensions and insecurity across the country.

The Christian Youth Alliance of Nigeria (CYAN) has called on the United States government to prevail on the Nigerian government to abandon plans to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 general election, warning that such a move could further heighten religious tensions and insecurity across the country.

In a petition addressed to the White House, the US Secretary of State, members of the US Congress, and diplomats of the United States and allied nations in Nigeria, the coalition of Christian leaders and human rights advocates argued that preserving Nigeria's religious balance at the highest level of government was critical to national unity and the protection of vulnerable communities.

The group commended Washington for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over violations of religious freedom, describing the move as an important acknowledgment of what it called the persistent persecution of Christians in parts of the country.

Despite the designation, CYAN said attacks on Christian communities have continued unabated, citing the recent killing of at least 30 Christians in Naridon community of Kaduna State as evidence that the security situation remains dire.

The coalition alleged that the continuation of the Muslim-Muslim presidency had contributed to the political marginalisation of Christians and created an atmosphere that emboldened extremist groups operating in affected regions.

It also faulted the Federal Government's policy of rehabilitating so-called repentant terrorists, insisting that those responsible for acts of terrorism should face prosecution rather than reintegration, while victims and displaced communities deserved greater protection and support.

The petition urged the United States not to judge Nigeria's record solely through lobbying efforts mounted in Washington, referring to reports that the Nigerian government retained foreign lobbying firms after its CPC redesignation. According to the group, improvements should instead be measured by tangible progress in safeguarding lives and ensuring justice for victims.

While welcoming the growing security partnership between Nigeria and the United States, including intelligence sharing and joint counter-terrorism operations, CYAN maintained that international engagement should focus on strengthening the protection of communities under attack.

The group also revisited comments attributed to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in support of the Muslim-Muslim ticket, arguing that they reflected a deliberate political agenda. Conversely, it praised the current Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for adopting a Muslim-Christian governorship ticket, describing it as a model of inclusiveness.

CYAN further urged the US authorities to investigate claims that some Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, were exerting influence on Nigeria's political process in favour of retaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Among its key demands, the coalition called for the retention of Nigeria's CPC status until independent assessments confirm meaningful improvements in the protection of Christian communities. It also urged the US to encourage Nigeria to embrace religious inclusivity in political leadership, abolish the rehabilitation programme for repentant terrorists, prosecute perpetrators of major attacks, and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches displaced Christian communities through transparent and independent channels.

The petition was signed by CYAN Chairman, Zariyi Yusuf Madaki; Secretary, Nasiru Jagaba; former SOKAPU spokesman, Luka Binniyat; Founder of the Community Development and Rights Advocacy Foundation, Steven Kefas; Ier Jonathan-Ichaver of Middle Belt Concern; Apostle Michael Olowookere of Corban Christian Assembly; and Emmanuel Zopmal, Convener of Middle Belt Worldwide.