Kaduna Governor To Pick Christian Running Mate for 2027

According to Ireporter Online, the move comes as political parties race to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for the submission of governorship candidates and their deputies, which is expected in less than two weeks.

Sources familiar with the ongoing consultations disclosed that Governor Sani has resolved to abandon the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai in favour of a religiously balanced ticket.

The Muslim-Muslim arrangement was first introduced ahead of the 2019 governorship election when El-Rufai replaced his then-deputy, Barnabas Yusuf Bala, popularly known as Bantex, with Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe. Balarabe was retained as deputy governor after Uba Sani assumed office in 2023.

However, insiders said the need for a new running mate has become inevitable, as Balarabe would not be eligible to take the oath of office for a third consecutive term as deputy governor if the current administration secures re-election.

The sources revealed that the governor considered several factors, including age, gender, zoning and religion, before deciding that balancing the ticket along religious and senatorial lines would best serve the state’s political interests.

It was further gathered that the identity of the preferred running mate has been deliberately kept confidential to prevent intense lobbying and political pressure before an official announcement is made.

Among those reportedly being considered for the position are the Kaduna State Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, the Head of Service, Jummai Bako, and the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Jerry Adams.

When contacted over the reports, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibraheem Musa, declined to confirm or deny the development, stating only that the public would be informed once a formal decision had been reached.

The reported plan has sparked renewed interest among political stakeholders, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where community leaders have consistently advocated for the deputy governorship position to remain within the zone as a means of promoting inclusion and strengthening political balance across the state.