By Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. Nigeria is a heterogeneous society with diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religious groups. The country adopted federalism not by accident, but as a means of managing its complexities and peculiarities. For years, Nigeria has practiced joint and balanced representation between the two dominant religions and geopolitical zones—both in military and civilian administrations.
Currently, Nigeria is led by a President and Vice President who share the same religious faith. President Bola Tinubu, from the southern part of the country, and his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, from the North, were both elected in 2023.
This kind of composition was first tried in 1993, but the election was annulled. It resurfaced in the 2023 elections.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) adopted the same-faith ticket model. In contrast, other political parties chose a more balanced approach, selecting candidates from both major religions—Muslim and Christian.
Concerns Before the 2023 Election
Before the 2023 presidential election, many Nigerians voiced concern over the same-faith ticket. They argued that such a composition could undermine peaceful coexistence and deepen mutual distrust.
Political observers described it as a manipulative strategy by the political elite to serve their own interests.
They contended that a fragile society like Nigeria is not yet ready for such a model. Insisting on its continuation, they warned, could pose a serious threat to national unity.
Analysts recommended balanced representation along both ethnic and religious lines. They emphasized the need for a clear understanding of the secular provisions of Nigeria’s constitution and their observance to promote inclusive governance.
Agitations for a Muslim-Christian Ticket
At the forefront of these agitations is the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), representing millions of young voices across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The coalition has strongly urged all political parties, stakeholders, and power brokers to prioritize a balanced Muslim-Christian (or Christian-Muslim) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.
Comrade Goodluck Ibem, President General of the coalition, described this approach as not only a political strategy but also a moral imperative, rooted in the need to restore national unity, peace, and religious equity.
In a recent statement, the President General insisted that a religiously balanced ticket would foster national unity and inclusion by reflecting Nigeria’s religious diversity.
The group expressed deep concern over the continued marginalization felt by Christian communities following the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The coalition noted that while the 2023 decision may have been driven by political calculations, it left many Nigerians—particularly Christians—feeling alienated, sidelined, and underrepresented in the highest offices of the land.
“Nigeria is a country founded on diversity, mutual respect, and the balance of interests. Our national leadership must reflect these values.
In a country where religion is deeply embedded in the people’s identity, balanced representation at the highest level of governance sends a strong signal of inclusion and national cohesion,” said the coalition leader.
The group added that the current religious imbalance in executive leadership has raised genuine concerns among Nigerians and contributed to a growing sense of marginalization in certain segments of the population.
According to the coalition, a balanced presidential ticket would promote peace and interfaith harmony, particularly in a time of rising tension and distrust. It would address past imbalances, reassure marginalized groups of their place in Nigeria’s future, and establish a standard of equity for future generations to build upon.
Interfaith Ticket to Promote Equity and Fairness
Comrade Goodluck Ibem emphasized that a presidential ticket combining the two major faiths would address issues of equity and fairness.
“Equal representation reflects the true spirit of democracy and acknowledges the diversity that defines Nigeria,” he said.
The group further asserted that a balanced ticket would help rebuild public confidence, as many Nigerians are eager for leadership that embodies fairness, moderation, and inclusiveness.
“Nigerian youth are tired of politics that divide. We seek leadership that unites. As the largest voting bloc in the country, we urge political actors to heed this call and present a ticket that reflects our collective identity and shared destiny,” the coalition stated.
The group emphasized that Nigeria’s greatness lies in its diversity. A balanced ticket, they argued, would offer Nigerians leadership that unites rather than divides. They expressed confidence in the wisdom, patriotism, and commitment of the country’s leaders to build a more inclusive Nigeria.
Involving Good People in Politics
Dr. Kabir Ayuba, a political scientist and public affairs analyst, said the agitations for a Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim presidential ticket are a welcome development that promotes inclusiveness and accommodates religious diversity.
“But the most important issue the youth should focus on is promoting the involvement of good people in Nigerian politics—a space long dominated by corrupt elements,” he stated.
He added that Nigeria’s problems are not rooted solely in the religious composition of the presidency.
“From 1999 to 2023, the country was governed by people of both major faiths, yet the administrations were not free from corruption and mismanagement,” he noted.
Dr. Ayuba urged Nigerian youth to focus on promoting patriotism and national unity within their ranks, emphasizing their role as future leaders.
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