Nasarawa Gov Drops Bombshell: ‘I Pray Nigeria Gets a Christian-Christian Ticket and It Wins’

By Tunde Okoro

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has thrown a bold challenge into Nigeria’s political arena, declaring that he prays for the day the country will field an all-Christian presidential ticket — and that it will win. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Sule didn’t hold back, dismissing claims that the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 was a form of religious exclusion. Instead, he turned the tables, arguing that Nigeria is overdue for a Christian-Christian experiment to prove that faith doesn’t decide elections — competence does.

“I pray that one day Nigeria will have a Christian-Christian ticket, and it will win. That’s what I pray to see,” Sule said, his tone sharp and unapologetic. He pointed to history, recalling that the late Chief Moshood Abiola ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 1993 and won. “You can see both elections have been clear that the Muslim-Muslim ticket has won,” he added, referencing the 2023 APC victory as proof that same-faith pairings can succeed.

Sule’s comments came in response to concerns raised by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, who warned against another same-faith ticket in 2027. But Sule brushed off the criticism, calling it typical opposition talk. “I think it is normal for Senator Kwankwaso, who I respect a lot, to say that because he’s opposition. He cannot say anything good in that manner,” Sule said, his voice dripping with confidence.

The governor then dropped a constitutional bombshell, citing Sections 14(3) and 15 of Nigeria’s constitution, which focus on inclusiveness and federal character — but make no mention of religion. “There is no place where it talks about religion. Section 14 didn’t talk about religion. Section 15 didn’t talk about religion,” he declared, effectively arguing that the constitution doesn’t mandate religious balancing in presidential tickets.

Sule also revealed that his deputy in Nasarawa State, Emmanuel Akabe, is a Christian — not for political balance, but because he’s competent. “No, no, no, we thought it was important because Emmanuel Akabe is competent. Our state is different from Nigeria. You cannot take a particular state,” Sule explained, pointing out that Enugu and Bayelsa states already run Christian-Christian arrangements. “Take Enugu, for instance, it has a Christian-Christian arrangement. Take Bayelsa, it’s Christian-Christian,” he said, making it clear that local realities should dictate political choices, not national templates.

This is a bold, pan-African take from a governor who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. Sule’s message is clear: Nigeria’s political future should be about merit, not faith. And if a Christian-Christian ticket can deliver the goods, why not? The ball is now in the court of political parties as they gear up for 2027. Will they dare to break the mold?