Christian women in Niger State has appealed to the wife of Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, to prevail on her husband to ensure Christians are fairly represented in his administration despite retaining a Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket for the 2027 election.
The group under the aegis of the Concerned Northern Christian Women Forum, CNCWF, said the First Lady should use her influence to encourage Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to promote inclusion, equity and fairness by ensuring Christians are not sidelined in political appointments.
Speaking during a press briefing in Minna on Sunday, the Chairperson of the forum, Mrs. Grace Zegi, said the governor’s decision to reaffirm a same-faith ticket reflected “political convenience over inclusion” and had failed to acknowledge the concerns of Christian groups that had appealed for a more religiously balanced ticket.
She noted that although the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit a same-faith ticket, political leadership should be sensitive to the state’s religious diversity and strive to unite, rather than alienate, any section of the population.
According to her, the prevailing economic and security challenges require leadership that fosters cohesion and reassures every segment of society that it has a place in government.
“The Governor Umaru Bago-led All Progressives Congress, APC, could have sent a stronger message of unity by adopting a more religiously inclusive ticket for the 2027 general election,” she said.
Zegi maintained that Niger State’s diversity should be reflected in its highest political offices, arguing that no religious group should feel excluded from governance.
She lamented that Christians are often remembered during election campaigns but neglected when appointments are made.
The chairperson argued, “We are watching because when it is time for politicking, they remember Christians and want us to mobilise votes. When it is time to appoint or select, we are sidelined. We believe and stand for equity and fairness in governance”.
The forum, however, declared that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to Governor Bago’s second-term ambition.
“For the record, we supported the Farmer Governor’s first term and we will support his second-term bid. What we are calling for is equal and fair representation of the two major religions in appointments,” Zegi maintained.
The group reminded the governor of his commitment to building an inclusive government where every segment of society is represented, urging him to match those assurances with action.
It noted that several principal offices are yet to be filled and expressed hope that the governor would use future appointments to demonstrate fairness and strengthen public confidence in his administration.
The forum further said it would continue to monitor developments, insisting that equity, inclusion and religious balance remain essential to sustaining peace and unity in Niger State.
