Cleric urges parties to avoid same-faith tickets in Kaduna, Plateau

A prominent Islamic cleric in Kaduna, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, has called on political parties to steer clear of fielding candidates of the same faith for governorship and deputy governorship positions in religiously diverse states like Kaduna and Plateau. Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Maraya emphasized that balancing tickets along religious lines is crucial for promoting inclusivity, strengthening national unity, and fostering peaceful coexistence among Nigeria's varied ethnic and religious communities.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna, Maraya highlighted that Kaduna State's tradition of presenting governorship candidates and running mates from different faiths between 1999 and 2019 cultivated a strong sense of belonging among residents and contributed significantly to political stability. He recalled that during the administrations of Ahmed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, and Ramalan Yero, deputy governors always held different religious beliefs from their principals. This practice, he noted, ensured orderliness and made citizens feel included in government affairs.

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Since 1999, Kaduna State has always produced candidates with different religious beliefs. That display of justice has gone a long way in ensuring togetherness and a sense of belonging in the state, to the extent that no section or religion has felt neglected in the affairs of government.

Maraya, who previously served as Special Adviser on Islamic Matters to the late Governor Patrick Yakowa and former Governor Ramalan Yero, criticized the introduction of a same-faith governorship ticket under the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. He stated that many residents perceived this arrangement as a departure from the principles of equity and fairness.

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For equity and fairness, political parties should ensure that their governorship and deputy governorship candidates are of different religious beliefs. This will go a long way in uniting us and ensuring equal representation in governance.

"For equity and fairness, political parties should ensure that their governorship and deputy governorship candidates are of different religious beliefs. This will go a long way in uniting us and ensuring equal representation in governance," Maraya asserted. He stressed that Kaduna's significant religious diversity necessitates inclusive leadership arrangements that inspire confidence in both Muslim and Christian adherents.

The cleric extended this advice to Plateau State, suggesting that adopting a similar approach would bolster peaceful coexistence within its diverse religious communities. He underscored that both Islam and Christianity preach peace, which should remain the central focus for achieving unity and progress.

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The two religions preach peace. Peace should remain the focal point in all that we do for the ove