🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Cleric urges political parties to avoid same-faith tickets in Kaduna and Plateau states
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
Sheikh Haliru Maraya, a prominent Islamic cleric based in Kaduna, has called on political parties to refrain from fielding governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the same faith in Kaduna, Plateau, and other religiously diverse states for the 2027 general elections. Maraya emphasized that balancing governorship tickets along religious lines would foster inclusiveness, strengthen unity, and promote peaceful coexistence among Nigeria's diverse ethnic and religious groups. He highlighted that Kaduna State's practice of presenting candidates from different faiths between 1999 and 2019, under administrations like Ahmed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, and Ramalan Yero, contributed to political stability and a sense of belonging. The cleric, who served as Special Adviser on Islamic Matters to late Governor Patrick Yakowa and former Governor Ramalan Yero, criticized the introduction of a same-faith governorship ticket under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, viewing it as inconsistent with equity and fairness. He stressed that Kaduna's religious diversity necessitates inclusive leadership to inspire confidence among both Muslim and Christian adherents. Maraya extended this advice to Plateau State, suggesting a similar approach would enhance peaceful coexistence. He cited the example of Nasarawa and Taraba states, where governors and their deputies are of different faiths, as models for promoting unity. Kaduna is noted as one of Nigeria's most religiously and et
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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