Christian Group Petitions US, Warns Against Muslim-Muslim Ticket Ahead of 2027 Polls

"The continuation of the same-faith presidency poses a serious threat to the safety and political inclusion of Christians." The group argued

A coalition of Christian leaders and rights advocates under the umbrella of the Christian Youth Alliance of Nigeria (CYAN) has petitioned the United States government.

In what it described as worsening insecurity for Christians and the implications of retaining a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election. The coalition therefore urged Washington to sustain pressure on Nigeria.

In the petition addressed to the White House, the US Secretary of State, members of the US Congress and diplomats of the United States and allied nations in Nigeria, the group argued that the continuation of the same-faith presidency poses a serious threat to the safety and political inclusion of Christians.

CYAN commended the United States for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations, saying the decision had helped expose what it described as the targeted killing of Christians rather than ordinary acts of banditry.

The group, however, lamented that the designation had not halted attacks on Christian communities, citing the recent killing of at least 30 Christians in Naridon community of Kaduna State.

According to the petition, President Bola Tinubu's decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 election could further deepen religious divisions and embolden extremist groups operating in parts of the country.

The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as the political marginalisation of Christians, alleging that the current administration had prioritised the rehabilitation of "repentant terrorists" while many victims of attacks remained displaced and without adequate support.

CYAN further urged the United States not to allow lobbying efforts by the Nigerian government in Washington to replace what it called verifiable improvements in the protection of Christian communities.

The petition referenced reports that Nigeria retained American lobbying firms following its CPC redesignation, including a reported multi-million-dollar contract with DCI Group through Kaduna-based Aster Legal on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser. It also mentioned another foreign-agent registration involving Valcour LLC.

While welcoming ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, including intelligence-sharing and joint operations against terrorism, the group maintained that diplomatic engagement should focus on improving security for vulnerable communities rather than image management.

The coalition also criticised comments previously attributed to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in support of a Muslim-Muslim presidency, describing them as evidence that the arrangement was intended to sideline Christians. In contrast, it praised incumbent Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for selecting a Christian running mate, saying the move reflected Nigeria's religious diversity.

The group further called on the United States to investigate alleged attempts by some Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, to influence Nigeria's political process in favour of retaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Among its demands, CYAN urged the US government to maintain Nigeria's CPC designation until measurable improvements in the protection of Christian communities are independently verified. It also called for international pressure on Nigeria to reflect the country's religious diversity in its political leadership, abolish the policy of rehabilitating repentant terrorists, ensure prosecution of perpetrators of major attacks on Christian communities, and sustain humanitarian assistance to displaced persons through independent channels.

The petition was signed by CYAN Chairman, Zariyi Yusuf Madaki; Secretary, Nasiru Jagaba; former SOKAPU spokesman, Luka Binniyat; Founder of the Community Development and Rights Advocacy Foundation, Steven Kefas; Ier Jonathan-Ichaver of Middle Belt Concern; Apostle Michael Olowookere of Corban Christian Assembly; and Emmanuel Zopmal, Convener of Middle Belt Worldwide.