A coalition of Christian and human rights organisations under the umbrella of the Christian Youth Alliance of Nigeria (CYAN) has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, the US Congress and diplomatic missions, urging international attention to the proposed continuation of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
The coalition argued that retaining the same ticket poses a significant threat to the safety and political inclusion of Christians in the country, warning that the development could further deepen religious tensions.
The petition, which was made available to journalists in Jos on Monday, was signed by CYAN Chairman, Zariyi Yusuf Madaki; Secretary, Nasiru Jagaba; Luka Binniyat; Steven Kefas; Jonathan-Ichaver; Apostle Michael Olowookere; Emmanuel Zopmal and other leaders of the coalition.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the US Secretary of State, members of the US Senate and House of Representatives, as well as heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Nigeria.
In the document, the coalition called on the international community to investigate what it described as the involvement of some Arab nations in the alleged persecution and killing of Christians in Nigeria.
The group also urged the United States to sustain pressure on the Nigerian government, commending Washington’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over issues relating to religious freedom.
According to the coalition, while the designation has drawn global attention to the security challenges facing Christians, it has not halted attacks on Christian communities. It cited the recent killing of at least 30 Christians in Naridon community, Kaduna State, as evidence that the violence persists.
CYAN further expressed concern that the continuation of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2027 could worsen the situation, alleging that it undermines the country’s tradition of balancing the two highest political offices across religious lines.
The coalition argued that the 2023 Tinubu-Shettima ticket marked a departure from that convention and claimed it had contributed to the exclusion of Christians from key positions in governance while emboldening armed groups operating in predominantly Christian communities.
The petition called on the international community to closely monitor developments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election and support efforts aimed at protecting religious freedom, promoting inclusive governance and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
