Southern Kaduna has distanced itself from proposals for Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa to be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running partner in the 2027 elections, according to a coalition of professional and sociocultural organizations.
The Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPUA) President, Engineer Samuel Tabara Kato, commended President Tinubu for his consideration of Southern Kaduna, especially the nomination of General Musa as Minister of Defense, and recommended that the region support him for the vice presidency.
Dr. Simon Majimre of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, Edward John Auta, Chairman of Southern Kaduna Patriots for Good Governance, the Acting Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF), the National Coordinator of the Forum of SOKAPU Youths, and branch chairmen of various local groups were among the coalition’s representatives who briefed reporters in Kaduna on Monday. They emphasized that Mr. Tabara’s statement only represents his personal opinion.
18 + The coalition pointed out that the call did not reflect the opinions of all Southern Kaduna residents and was not founded on extensive consultations with zone stakeholders.
They claim that the timing of the call is equally concerning because the region is still dealing with the recent kidnapping of over 170 people in Kurmin Wali and that no responsible leadership should concentrate on a presidential running mate while families and communities are still suffering at the hands of their kidnappers.
The coalition recognized Gen. Musa as an intelligent and reliable Army General and emphasized that his immediate job is still the country’s security, working alongside the President and Vice President.
The group also praised Senator Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, for his prompt action in Kurmin Wali, which included mobilizing workers and equipment to build a road that improved access for security agencies and reinforcing security personnel. They claimed that these actions enabled the community to resume Sunday worship just one week after the kidnapping.
The alliance further stated that in opposition to the “unwarranted statement made by Mr. Tabara,” Southern Kaduna is united in support of Governor Uba Sani, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We stand firmly behind the Minister of Defense to deliver on his mandate of fighting insecurity as entrusted to him by the President and the Nigerian people,” they stated.
The coalition emphasized that unity and a focus on national security are crucial and urged Nigerians to refrain from disseminating divisive narratives that can divert the defense minister or cause political instability.
