Uba Sani’s Christian Running Mate Will Deepen Unity

… Heal Kaduna’s Religious Divide, NCYP Declares

…Group backs Jerry Adams’ nomination, says decision signals new era of inclusion ahead of 2027

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has thrown its weight behind Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani’s decision to nominate Mr. Jerry Adams, a Christian and former Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, describing the move as a landmark step towards healing the state’s long-standing religious divisions and consolidating peace.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, and Kaduna State Coordinator, Daniel John, the organisation said the Governor’s choice was driven by statesmanship rather than political expediency, arguing that it reflects a deliberate commitment to building an inclusive government in one of Nigeria’s most religiously diverse and politically sensitive states.

The endorsement comes amid public debate over the Governor’s decision to replace his current deputy with Adams, a move widely viewed as one of the most politically significant developments ahead of the 2027 elections in Kaduna.

NCYP said Governor Uba Sani had demonstrated that leadership should be guided by fairness, justice and competence rather than religious or sectional considerations.

According to the group, the nomination of a Christian running mate sends a strong signal that every segment of Kaduna society has a place in government and that the administration is determined to rebuild trust among communities fractured by years of ethno-religious violence.

“Governor Uba Sani did not make this decision for personal political gain but in the overall interest of Kaduna State. It is a step towards restoring mutual trust, strengthening peaceful coexistence and creating an environment where businesses can flourish, families can prosper and citizens can pursue their aspirations without fear,” the statement said.

The group recalled that Kaduna had, over the years, become synonymous with recurring religious crises, communal clashes, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks that claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands of residents and deepened mistrust between Christian and Muslim communities.

It argued that the immediate past administration inherited and grappled with many of those security challenges, but maintained that Governor Uba Sani had adopted a markedly different governance approach centred on dialogue, reconciliation and stakeholder engagement.

NCYP cited the administration’s Peace and Reconciliation Initiative, which brings together Christian and Muslim leaders as well as traditional institutions, as one of the policies that has contributed to the relative peace currently being experienced in many parts of the state.

The organisation said Kaduna’s reconciliation model is increasingly attracting attention as a template that could be replicated by other states confronting similar security and communal tensions.

On Adams’ credentials, NCYP described him as an accomplished administrator whose record in both the private and public sectors demonstrates competence and integrity.

It noted that as Chairman of KADIRS, Adams played a pivotal role in strengthening internally generated revenue through institutional reforms, while his earlier career with the Nigerian Bottling Company equipped him with extensive management experience and the ability to work effectively across religious and ethnic divides.

The group further argued that while Governor Uba Sani’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election reflected the prevailing political arrangements at the time, the decision to pick a Christian running mate for 2027 represents a conscious effort to deepen inclusion and reinforce confidence among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities.

It urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations and residents to support what it described as a courageous decision capable of strengthening the state’s social cohesion.

While acknowledging that a few dissenting voices had criticised the nomination, NCYP insisted that the choice should be viewed beyond politics and recognised as an investment in lasting peace and sustainable development.

The organisation reaffirmed its support for Governor Uba Sani’s administration and pledged to mobilise support for his re-election bid in 2027, expressing confidence that his inclusive leadership would further stabilise Kaduna and unlock greater economic opportunities for its people.

Kaduna has historically occupied a unique place in Nigeria’s political landscape, with religion often playing a defining role in electoral calculations and governance. Over the years, debates over Muslim-Christian balance in leadership have shaped political alignments and, at times, fuelled tension. Analysts say Governor Uba Sani’s decision to nominate a Christian running mate marks a notable departure from recent political configurations and is likely to remain a major issue as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.