By Comfort Olayinka
As political momentum builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, the North Central Youth Council (NCYC) has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to pick a Christian running mate in the forthcoming polls to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity and foster national unity.
In a statement signed by its President, Activist Sunday A. Asuku, the council stressed that Tinubu’s 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket pairing himself with Vice President Kashim Shettima was a controversial departure from Nigeria’s tradition of religious balancing in top leadership roles.
The NCYC warned that repeating the same formula in 2027 could further deepen national divisions and alienate a significant portion of the electorate.
“Choosing a Christian vice-presidential candidate is not just a symbolic gesture, it’s a strategic, ethical, and unifying necessity,” Asuku said. “Nigeria is a multi-religious nation. To ignore that reality is to ignore the foundation of our democracy.”
The group argued that Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory, while significant, was marred by poor performance in Christian-dominated regions and sparked criticism from religious groups and civil society organizations. The NCYC emphasized that correcting this perceived imbalance would rebuild trust and boost the president’s re-election prospects.
“Competent Christian leaders abound across the country from the South-East to the Middle Belt. Their inclusion at the highest levels of governance would not only represent fairness but also strengthen national cohesion,” Asuku added.
The statement concluded with a powerful reminder: “The 2027 elections will be a test of Nigeria’s commitment to unity. This is a moment for President Tinubu to show statesmanship and make history for the right reasons.”
The NCYC’s call comes at a time when political analysts and citizens alike are debating the future of leadership, inclusiveness, and the Nigerian dream.
