Christian women in Niger State has appealed to the wife of Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, to prevail on her husband to ensure Christians are fairly represented in his administration despite retaining a Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket for the 2027 election.
The group under the aegis of the Concerned Northern Christian Women Forum, CNCWF, said the First Lady should use her influence to encourage Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to promote inclusion, equity and fairness by ensuring Christians are not sidelined in political appointments.
Speaking during a press briefing in Minna on Sunday, the Chairperson of the forum, Mrs. Grace Zegi, said the governor’s decision to reaffirm a same-faith ticket reflected “political convenience over inclusion” and had failed to acknowledge the concerns of Christian groups that had appealed for a more religiously balanced ticket.
She noted that although the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit a same-faith ticket, political leadership should be sensitive to the state’s religious diversity and strive to unite, rather than alienate, any section of the population.
According to her, the prevailing economic and security challenges require leadership that fosters cohesion and reassures every segment of society that it has a place in government.
“The Governor Umaru Bago-led All Progressives Congress, APC, could have sent a stronger message of unity by adopting a more religiously inclusive ticket for the 2027 general election,” she said.
Zegi maintained that Niger State’s diversity should be reflected in its highest political offices, arguing that no religious group should feel excluded from governance.
She
