By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, has urged political parties in Kaduna State and other religiously diverse states to avoid presenting same-faith governorship and deputy governorship candidates in the 2027 elections, saying such arrangements could undermine inclusion and social harmony.
Maraya, who spoke with journalists in Kaduna, said heterogeneous states should embrace balanced leadership that reflects their religious diversity in order to promote peace, unity and a sense of belonging among all citizens.
According to him, Kaduna State maintained a tradition of pairing governors and deputy governors of different faiths from 1999 until the introduction of a same-faith ticket by the immediate past administration.
“Since 1999, Kaduna State has always produced governors and deputies of different religious backgrounds. That display of justice strengthened unity and gave every section of the state a sense of belonging,” he said.
