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 sociocultural and professional organizations.
The Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPUA) President, Engineer Samuel Tabara Kato, recommended that the region support President Tinubu for the vice presidency and commended him for his attention to Southern Kaduna, especially the nomination of General Musa as Minister of Defense.
The coalition’s representatives, including 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, emphasized to reporters in Kaduna on Monday that Mr. Tabara’s statement only represents his personal opinion.
18 + The coalition pointed out that the call did not reflect the views of all Southern Kaduna residents and was not founded on extensive consultations with zone stakeholders.
They claim that the call’s timing 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 a wise 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, including the mobilization of workers and equipment to build a road that improved access for security agencies and the reinforcement of security personnel. They claimed that these actions allowed the community to resume Sunday worship just one week after the kidnapping.
Southern Kaduna is unified in its support of Governor Uba Sani, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against the “unwarranted statement made by Mr. Tabara,” the coalition said.
“We stand firmly behind the Minister of Defence to deliver on his mandate of fighting insecurity as entrusted to him by the President and the Nigerian people,” they stated.
The alliance emphasized that unity and a focus on national security are crucial and urged Nigerians to refrain from propagating divisive narratives that can divert the defense minister or disrupt the political system.
