From Paul Orude, Bauchi
A group known as the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah has thrown its weight behind the call for the nomination of a Northern Christian Vice Presidential Candidate as running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Leader of the group, Hon. Bala Mahmud Duguri, made this known in a press conference held in Bauchi on Saturday, saying the group arrived at the decision after wide consultations.
“We deem it necessary and imperative to lend our voice in support of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda which is yielding positive results towards a greater Nigeria, indeed Mr. President deserved commendation in this regards,” he said
“Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the Northern States with different Islamic organizations in a bid to speak with one voice over the political direction in the APC-led administration under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the outcome is very encouraging.
“As a result of the consultation we have carefully considered the present situation of our country coupled with deep concerned for the wellbeing of our people in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice”
Duguri believed that the forthcoming 2027 election calls for sacrifice from all stakeholders in the Nigeria project, especially the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), predicting that Tinubu will emerge winner.
“In the 2023 Presidential elections the APC presented Muslim-Muslim Ticket which had indeed worked with the support of the Nigerian Christian community who remained supportive of the Tinubu led administration, “he added.
“The sacrifices made by our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in 2023 presidential elections in the spirit of unity and progress of our dear country need to be reciprocated by our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in 2027 presidential election by supporting the opportunity for a Christian Vice presidential candidate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As a Muslim group we want to use this opportunity to call on all potential Vice Presidential Muslim nominees to make the necessary sacrifice and drop their ambition as Vice President Candidate to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential election.
“We call on President Tinubu who has the prerogative right to nominate his running mate, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of APC, the NWC, the Board of Trustee, the progressives Governors forum and all critical stakeholders in APC and greater Nigerian project to support our plea in spirit of unity, equity, justice and fairness.
“Our, call is based on sincere concern for the success of Nigerian democracy and success of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“After extensive consultations with major stakeholders across religion, ethnic and party affiliation in the northern states our groups have come to a conclusion that for religion balance a Christian from the North should be nominated as running mate to President Tinubu in 2027
“The concerned Northern Muslim Ummah hereby appeal for better understanding among the two major religions in Nigeria, for stability of our democracy and progress of our country. And will greatly improve electoral chances of President Tinubu as he will surely emerge victorious with landslide
“If given the opportunity. Will serve this country with passion in line with President Tinubu’s vision for a greater Nigeria.
“Our group will continue to engage with NSCIA, JIBWIS, CAN, BISHOP CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA, JNI, the Northern Traditional Institution and all relevant stakeholders in the North to press our demand”