2027: Sule Reveals Hope For Christian-Christian Presidential Ticket In Nigeria

According to Ireporter Online, Sule explained that the Constitution focuses more on principles such as federal character, equal representation and national integration rather than religious considerations.

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, while reacting to comments by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, concerning political inclusion and representation.

Sule described Kwankwaso’s criticism as expected from an opposition figure, noting that political opponents often highlight issues that align with their positions.

“I think it is normal for Senator Kwankwaso, whom I respect a lot, to say that because he’s opposition. He cannot say anything good. It is expected of him to say that,” Sule stated.

The governor argued that discussions around constitutional provisions on inclusiveness are sometimes interpreted beyond their original intentions.

He explained that Section 14(3) of the Constitution addresses federal character and fair representation, while Section 15 focuses on national unity and ethnic integration, adding that neither provision specifically requires religious balancing.

“There is no place where it talks about religion. Section 14 didn’t talk about religion. Section 15 did not talk about religion,” he said.

Sule pointed to the election of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, as well as the 1993 presidential election involving late MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, both of whom were Muslims.

According to him, the success of such political arrangements demonstrates that Nigerians can make electoral decisions based on factors beyond religion.

The governor added that he hopes Nigeria will eventually witness a Christian-Christian presidential ticket that will also succeed at the polls.

“I pray that one day Nigeria will have a Christian-Christian ticket, and it will win,” Sule said.

Speaking on his decision to retain a Christian deputy governor in Nasarawa State, Sule said the choice was based on competence and the political realities of the state rather than any constitutional religious requirement.

He noted that Emmanuel Akabe, his deputy, was selected because of his ability to contribute effectively to governance.

The governor further explained that political arrangements differ across states, citing examples of predominantly Christian states where governors and deputies from the same faith have successfully served together.

He mentioned states such as Enugu and Bayelsa, where Christian-Christian leadership arrangements exist.

Sule maintained that political parties should be allowed to select candidates based on competence, public acceptance and electoral considerations rather than focusing solely on religious identity.