2027: Southern Kaduna splits over call for defence minister as Tinubu’s running mate

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

A coalition of socio-cultural and professional groups from Southern Kaduna has distanced the region from calls suggesting that Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd) be considered as a running mate to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

The clarification follows remarks by Samuel Tabara Kato, president of the Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPU), who had praised President Tinubu for his attention to Southern Kaduna, particularly the appointment of General Musa as Minister of Defence, and suggested that the region backs him for the vice-presidency.

But representatives of the coalition, including Dr. Simon Majimre of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, Edward John Auta, Chairman of Southern Kaduna Patriots for Good Governance, the Acting Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF), the National Coordinator of the Forum of SOKAPU Youths, and branch chairmen of various local groups, stressed that Mr. Tabara’s statement reflects only his personal view.

The coalition emphasised that the call was not based on broad consultations with stakeholders in the zone and does not represent the collective opinion of Southern Kaduna.

“The timing of this call is equally troubling,” noting that the region is still grappling with the recent abduction of over 170 persons in Kurmin Wali, stressing no responsible leadership should focus on a presidential running mate while families and communities continue to endure such anguish.”

While acknowledging General Musa as “an astute and credible Army General,” the coalition stressed that his immediate responsibility remains the nation’s security, working alongside the President and Vice President.

The group also commended Governor Uba Sani for his swift response in Kurmin Wali, including the reinforcement of security personnel and mobilization of workers and equipment to construct a road that improved access for security agencies. These measures reportedly allowed the community to resume Sunday worship barely a week after the abduction.

“Southern Kaduna is united in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Uba Sani against the unwarranted statement made by Mr. Tabara.

“We stand firmly behind the Minister of Defence to deliver on his mandate of fighting insecurity as entrusted to him by the President and the Nigerian people.”

The coalition called on Nigerians to avoid spreading divisive narratives that could distract the Defence Minister or destabilise the polity, emphasizing that unity and focus on national security are paramount.