From Abel Leonard, Lafia
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Usman Abubakar Sandaji, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging a return to religious balancing in national leadership.
Sandaji, who made this known in an exclusive interview with Sunday Sun on Saturday, argued that Nigeria remains a secular state and that the principle of inclusion should guide future choices for national cohesion and electoral success.
“Next time, we want a Muslim-Christian ticket. Nigeria is a secular country. Religion should not be a determinant, but for equity and balance, that’s what we expect,” he stated.
He noted that despite the criticism the Muslim-Muslim ticket faced in 2023, “the Constitution does not prohibit it, but we must listen to all concerns. The choice of a vice president should be strategic and inclusive.”
Following the president’s visit on Wednesday to commission projects, Sandaji praised the peaceful nature of the visit and acknowledged the successful commissioning of major infrastructure projects by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
“We have to be grateful to the Almighty God that the visit was very successful,” Sandaji said. “There was no breach of peace, and almost 90% of the citizens came out to welcome Mr. President. As a state loyal to the APC, we demonstrated unity and hospitality.”
Among the key projects commissioned were the Lafia flyover to ease traffic congestion and beautify the capital, the dualisation of Shendam Road, and the ultra-modern Nasarawa State Secretariat, which Sandaji described as “now a symbol of the state and one of the best in the country”.
He also pointed to the groundbreaking announcement of a $400 million solid mineral processing plant described as the largest in Africa. According to him, the plant is projected to create over 20,000 jobs and boost chains of economic activities in the state.
However, Sandaji expressed strong reservations about President Tinubu’s political remarks during the event, especially the President’s declaration that anyone endorsed by Governor Sule would receive his full support to succeed the governor in 2027.
“With due respect to my great president, I am not on the same page with him,” Sandaji said. “Elections in 2027 lie in the hands of the voters. With the introduction of electronic voting, nobody can predict where the pendulum will swing. We should not give room for imposition.”
He stressed that all aspirants within the APC should be given a level playing field to contest, irrespective of endorsement or political zoning.
“All the aspirants are indigenes of the state and equally qualified. The President’s statement, if not handled carefully, may trigger an internal crisis. It is the delegates who should decide. We must not make the mistake of imposing a candidate who might turn out to be a mediocre,” he added.
Speaking further on the President’s swipe at emerging opposition coalitions, whom Tinubu referred to as “internally displaced politicians (IDPs), Sandaji disagreed, arguing that such groups must be taken seriously.
“I would have wished Mr President said we should not be afraid of them, but the truth is, we must. They may become a strong opposition. The voters now matter more than ever before. Even the APC must prepare to work harder,” he warned.
He noted that both the APC and the opposition remain uncertain variables: “It is like a pregnant woman—you don’t know what will be delivered. That uncertainty should motivate us to deliver good governance.”
Turning to national security, Sandaji emphasised the growing threat of insecurity, especially in the North Central region, citing recent attacks in Nasarawa and Plateau states.
“Insecurity has evolved from ideological Boko Haram insurgency to criminal enterprise. Everyone now seems to be feeding off it—from bandits to even some within the security agencies,” he said.
He advocated for the creation of state police to tackle security threats more effectively at the grassroots level.
“State police is no longer optional. The President even acknowledged this recently. You need security personnel who understand the terrain. Federal forces alone can’t do it,” he said.
Sandaji also urged community participation in security efforts: “We must all play our part. See something, say something. Some communities are even enabling banditry through logistics and supplies. We need accountability.”
He concluded by emphasising the need for sincerity in governance and unity within the APC as the 2027 elections approach.
“This is not the time for sycophancy or imposition. What Nigeria needs now is sincere leadership and responsive governance. The people are watching, and their votes will count,” he said.