* Cites marginalization of Christians
The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon his alleged plans for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2027 elections.
Led by Dr. Dominic Alancha, the NENF, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, argued that their demand is rooted in the urgent need for national cohesion, electoral viability, and justice for Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
MENF noted that it behoves President Tinubu not to revert to the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 poll that ignited unprecedented religious tension, alienating millions of Christians and fueling fears of Islamization in the polity.
MENF particularly expressed the fear that a repeat of the Muslim-Muslim ticket could cause the APC to lose states and battlegrounds within the middle belt comprising Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, FCT and some parts of Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, Gombe and Bauchi, where Northern Christians hold 90 per cent voting power.
The pro-Tinubu group, claiming to represent 127 ethnic nationalities from the North, stated that with Obi potentially aligning with Atiku Abubakar, a unified Christian-Muslim opposition ticket could erode the APC’s support base.
They insist that Vice President Kashim Shettima, though capable, cannot heal the wounds of exclusion, adding a Northern Christian Vice President from Plateau, Bauchi, and Taraba would surely broaden APC’s appeal without compromising merit.
They thereby assured that they would mobilise support to ensure the victory of President Tinubu in the 2027 poll if he considers a credible and competent person from the North as his running mate.
“Nigeria stands at a precipice. Hunger, insecurity, and sectarian violence demand leadership that mirrors our diversity, not deepens divides. The NENF’s 20-million-strong network will mobilise relentlessly until justice prevails. To President Tinubu: Seize this historic chance to be the healer Nigeria needs,” they stressed.