2027: ‘Christians have numbers, deserve deputy governor’ — Niger youths tell Gov Bago

A Christian group in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger State has thrown its weight behind calls for a deputy governor of the same faith, insisting that Christians in the state also have the capacity to occupy the position.

Backing calls earlier appeals to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to pick a Christian running mate for the 2027 governorship election, the Nigerian Christian Youths in Politics, NICYP, said its position was based on the numerical strength and political contribution of Christians in the state,

Addressing journalists in Minna, the group’s secretary, Barde Josecy Christopher, said Christians have remained committed to the APC and the government of the day and should not be excluded from the state’s highest political offices.

Christopher noted that NICYP was backing the earlier position of Christian stakeholders led by Jonathan Vatsa, who had urged the governor and the APC to zone the deputy governorship position to a Christian.

According to him, the demand was not intended to create religious division but to promote inclusiveness and ensure that every segment of the state has a sense of belonging.

He argued that Niger State has many qualified Christians with the competence, integrity and experience to serve effectively as deputy governor.

Speaking on behalf of Christian youths in Niger North, Bulus Gankon said many Christian APC members felt their contributions to the party had not been adequately recognised.

“With about 45 population, our rights are not being considered. We were not happy with the last congress, and those are the kinds of things that discourage our youths,” he said.

He added that despite the grievances, the group would remain in the APC even if its appeal was ignored.

“We will still remain in the party. However, it will be on record that we spoke out against what is happening,” Gankon said.

Also speaking, youth leader Janet Gana from Niger South said the organisation maintains a database of Christians involved in politics across Niger State, noting that politicians regularly approach the group during elections to mobilise Christian voters.

“We have a database of Christians in politics. That is why they come to us during elections to galvanise our youths to vote,” she said.