A coalition of socio-cultural and professional groups from Southern Kaduna has distanced the region from calls suggesting that Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa be considered as a running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, President of the Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPUA), had praised President Tinubu for his attention to Southern Kaduna, particularly the appointment of General Musa as Minister of Defence, and suggested that the region backs him for the vice-presidency.
Briefing newsmen in Kaduna on Monday, representatives of the coalition, 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, stressed that Mr. Tabara’s statement reflects only his personal view.
The coalition noted that the call was not based on broad consultations with stakeholders in the zone and does not represent the collective opinion of the people of Southern Kaduna.
According to them, the timing of the call is equally troubling, saying that the region is still grappling with the recent abduction of over 170 persons in Kurmin Wali, as no responsible leadership should focus on a presidential running mate while families and communities continue to endure such anguish in the hands of their abductors.
The coalition stressed that Gen. Musa’s immediate responsibility remains the nation’s security, working alongside the President and Vice President as they acknowledged him as an astute and credible Army General.
The group also hailed Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his swift response in Kurmin Wali, including the reinforcement of security personnel and mobilization of workers and equipment to construct a road that improved access for security agencies, saying that these measures reportedly allowed the community to resume Sunday worship barely a week after the abduction.
The coalition added that Southern Kaduna is united in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Governor Uba Sani against the “unwarranted statement made by Mr. Tabara”.
According to them, “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.”
The coalition called on Nigerians to avoid spreading divisive narratives that could distract the Defence Minister or destabilize the polity, stressing that unity and focus on national security are paramount.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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