A coalition of Christian groups in Niger State, under the aegis of the Niger State Christian Voice in Politics and Governance, has accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the state of allegedly excluding Christian aspirants from participating fully in the ongoing party primaries.
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The coalition also alleged that some Christian aspirants seeking elective positions on the platform of the APC were being pressured to step down under the guise of consensus and zoning arrangements.
Speaking at a press conference in Minna, the coordinator of the group, Habila Diko, called on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the APC leadership in Niger State to urgently reverse what he described as the systematic scheming and exclusion of Christians from the party’s nomination process.
Diko said the coalition appreciated the governor’s move to institutionalise a zoning system that would allow power to rotate among the 25 local government areas of the state, with a proposed maximum of eight years for any area that benefits from the arrangement.
He, however, said the coalition was concerned that the ongoing primaries had allegedly been conducted in a manner that disadvantaged Christian aspirants seeking senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly tickets.
“We have noted with grave concern the deliberate and systemic exclusion of Christian aspirants under the guise of consensus and zoning, thereby leaving Christians with no representation in the state vying for the National Assembly positions,” Diko alleged.
He further claimed that Christian aspirants contesting for seats in the Niger State House of Assembly were being pressured to withdraw or step down from the race.
“Christian aspirants vying for the state House of Assembly are currently being pressured to withdraw or step down. We strongly condemn this action resulting from zoning or consensus,” he said.
The coalition alleged that political arrangements in the state had led to a situation where Christians were excluded from principal offices in government and the legislature.
According to Diko, the governor, deputy governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, deputy speaker, Head of Service, Chief Judge, Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff to the Governor are all Muslims.
“This country is a mixed place of people. We have Christians, Muslims and others. For fairness, equity and justice, it is good that we carry everybody along. That is what we ask for,” he said.
Diko cited the cases of Senator Peter Ndalikali from Zone A and Yusuf Kure, a House of Representatives member, whom he said did not return due to pressure. He also alleged that three Christians in the outgoing State House of Assembly, including the only female member and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Eunice Afiniki, were asked to step down.
The coalition said the alleged exclusion was capable of weakening political inclusion, fairness and religious balance in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group comprises the Catholic Social Forum, TEKAN/ECWA Youth Wing, Nupe Christian Forum, Niger Christian Youth Forum, Christian Advocacy Youth Group, CPFN/PFN Youth Wing, Christian Council of Nigeria Youth Wing, Coalition of APC Christian Youth Groups, National APC Christian Leaders Forum of Nigeria and Journalists for Christ.
The coalition called on the APC leadership and the state government to ensure fairness, equity and inclusion in the party’s nomination process.
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