A prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, has urged political parties to avoid fielding governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the same faith in Kaduna, Plateau and other religiously diverse states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The cleric argued that balancing governorship tickets along religious lines would promote inclusiveness, strengthen unity and foster peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
Speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, Maraya said the tradition of presenting governorship candidates and running mates from different faiths, which Kaduna practised between 1999 and 2019, fostered a sense of belonging among residents and contributed to political stability.
He said, “Since 1999, Kaduna State has always produced candidates with different religious beliefs. That display of justice has gone a long way in ensuring togetherness and a sense of belonging in the state, to the extent that no section or religion has felt neglected
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