Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is set to nominate a Christian from Southern Kaduna as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, marking a significant return to the state’s long-standing tradition of religiously balanced tickets.
The move comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for the submission of candidates and their running mates approaches in less than two weeks.
Sources familiar with the matter told *Daily Trust* that the Governor has resolved to adopt a Muslim-Christian ticket, departing from the same-faith arrangement introduced by his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, during the 2019 election.
In 2019, El-Rufai replaced his first-term deputy, the late Barnabas Yusuf Bala (Bantex), with Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, creating Kaduna’s first Muslim-Muslim ticket since the return to democracy in 1999.
While Dr. Balarabe was retained as Deputy Governor when Sani took office in 2023, constitutional provisions prevent her from seeking a third term in the same office. This legal necessity has opened the door for Governor Sani to rethink the ticket’s composition.
According to insiders, the Governor weighed several factors—including age, gender, and zoning—but ultimately decided that religious balance and representation for Southern Kaduna should take precedence to foster state-wide unity.
“The Governor has moved past the same-faith era. He believes that for the sake of fairness and inclusivity, the ticket should be balanced in terms of faith,” a Government House source said. “He is keeping the final name confidential for now to avoid political pressure and lobbying.”
Names currently circulating within the government circles as potential candidates include:
James Kanyip: Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General.
Jummai Bako: Head of Service.
Jerry Adams: Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS).
When contacted, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibraheem Musa, declined to comment on the specifics, stating only that the public would be officially informed “at the appropriate time.”
Political Implications
Political observers suggest that a Muslim-Christian ticket could significantly bolster the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Kaduna, an area where Governor Sani has already earned some goodwill for his inclusive governance style.
The move also appears to be a strategic response to the opposition. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Isa Ashiru Kudan, has already named Irmiya Kantyok, a Christian from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate.
Public affairs analyst Haruna Nasarawa noted that Sani’s decision would reinforce a message of unity.
“Given Kaduna’s history of religious and ethnic sensitivities, another same-faith ticket could be a difficult sell. This return to balance is a pragmatic political move,” Nasarawa said.
Similarly, prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Haliru Maraya urged all political parties to maintain religious balance. He argued that such arrangements have historically promoted a sense of belonging and peaceful coexistence among the diverse residents of the state.
“Justice and equitable representation are the foundations of good governance,” Maraya stated.
