Strong indications have emerged that Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, may replace his current deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, with a Christian running mate from Southern Kaduna ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the move is being considered as political parties prepare to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for the submission of governorship candidates and their running mates.
The newspaper reported that Governor Sani has resolved to adopt a faith-balanced ticket, departing from the Muslim-Muslim arrangement introduced by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the 2019 election. Sources within the Kaduna State Government House were quoted as saying the governor believes balancing the ticket along religious and senatorial lines would promote fairness and strengthen unity in the state.
It is learnt that constitutional limitations may prevent Dr. Balarabe from returning as deputy governor for another term, prompting the search for a replacement. While there had been debates over factors such as age, gender and zoning, sources said the governor had settled on retaining the deputy governorship in Southern Kaduna while ensuring the running mate is a Christian.
The report added that Governor Sani is yet to make a final announcement, as he is keeping his preferred choice confidential to avoid unnecessary lobbying and political pressure. Among those reportedly under consideration are the Kaduna State Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip; the Head of Service, Mrs. Jummai Bako; and the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Jerry Adams.
When contacted by Daily Trust, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, declined to confirm or deny the development, saying only that the public would be informed at the appropriate time. The newspaper noted that intense lobbying is already underway, particularly among political stakeholders from Southern Kaduna seeking the position.
Political analysts and religious leaders who spoke to Daily Trust argued that a Christian running mate could reinforce Governor Sani’s message of inclusiveness and improve the APC’s electoral prospects in Southern Kaduna. They also urged political parties in Kaduna State to consider the state’s religious diversity when selecting candidates, maintaining that balanced tickets have historically promoted unity and a sense of belonging among the people.
