Challenges for Uba Sani over new running mate

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani's selection of Jerry Adams, a Christian from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial election has sparked political debate. This move returns to the Muslim-Christian arrangement prevalent in Kaduna politics since 1999. However, it deviates from the same-faith ticket used by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who chose Hadiza Balarabe, a Muslim from Southern Kaduna, as his running mate when he became governor in 2023.

The decision strengthens the APC's appeal in Southern Kaduna, a region traditionally associated with opposition parties. However, it has not been met with unanimous approval, particularly in Northern Kaduna, where some Muslim voters believe the APC should have retained the same-faith arrangement. A resident of Sabon Garin Tudun Wada expressed concern over the governor's potential vote loss in the northern part of the state, which supported the same-faith ticket.

The ethnic dynamics surrounding the decision have also come under scrutiny. While Adams hails from Southern Kaduna, some argue that his Moroa community is smaller than other groups in the region, such as Bajju, Atyap, Ikulu, and Kamanton. Political commentator Ango Bally disagreed with this, asserting that political support in the region should not solely be based on population size.

He emphasized that the Zangon Kataf area, regarded as the political hub of Southern Kaduna, believes in equity and fairness, allowing support from other tribes within the zone. The religious aspect of the decision has also been a point of contention. Some argue that the selection of a Christian running mate can rebuild trust in Southern Kaduna without alienating the Muslim electorate.

However, others maintain that the governor's decision could impact the APC's performance in Northern Kaduna, where voters prefer the previous same-faith arrangement.