2027: Southern Kaduna Coalition Rejects call for Defense Minister as Tinubu Running Mate

A coalition of socio-cultural and professional organizations from Southern Kaduna has disassociated the region from suggestions that General Christopher Gwabin Musa be considered as a vice-presidential candidate alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

The call, made by Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, President of the Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPUA), praised President Tinubu’s attention to Southern Kaduna—particularly the appointment of Gen. Musa as Minister of Defence—and urged support for him as the nation’s next vice president.

Briefing journalists in Kaduna on Monday, representatives of the coalition, including Dr. Simon Majimre of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, Edward John Auta of Southern Kaduna Patriots for Good Governance, and leaders from the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum and SOKAPU youth branches, emphasized that Tabara’s statement reflected only his personal opinion.

The coalition stressed that the call was not based on broad consultations and does not represent the collective views of Southern Kaduna people. They also criticized the timing, noting that the region is still dealing with the recent abduction of over 170 residents in Kurmin Wali. “No responsible leadership should focus on a presidential running mate while families and communities continue to endure such anguish,” the group said.

According to the coalition, Gen. Musa’s priority remains national security, working with the President and Vice President in his role as Defence Minister. They praised Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for responding swiftly to the Kurmin Wali incident, including deploying additional security personnel and improving road access for security agencies, which enabled the community to resume Sunday worship barely a week after the abduction.

The group reaffirmed Southern Kaduna’s support for President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Governor Sani, while rejecting what they called “the unwarranted statement made by Mr. Tabara.”

“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 said.

They urged Nigerians to avoid spreading divisive narratives that could distract the Defence Minister or destabilize the polity, emphasizing that national unity and security must remain the priority.