A coalition of socio-cultural and professional bodies from Southern Kaduna has rejected calls for the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to be considered as a running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

The coalition distanced the zone from remarks credited to the President of the Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPUA), Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, who had praised President Tinubu for appointing Gen. Musa and suggested that Southern Kaduna should back him for the vice-presidential slot.

Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Monday, representatives of the coalition said Engr. Tabara’s position was personal and did not emanate from broad consultations with stakeholders across Southern Kaduna.

Those present at the briefing included Dr. Simon Majimre of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations; Edward John Auta, Chairman of Southern Kaduna Patriots for Good Governance; the Acting Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF); the National Coordinator of the Forum of SOKAPU Youths; as well as chairmen of several local associations.

The group described the timing of the call as inappropriate, noting that the region is still reeling from the recent abduction of more than 170 persons in Kurmin Wali.

According to the coalition, it was insensitive for any leader to raise discussions about a vice-presidential ambition at a time when families and communities were still in distress over the fate of their abducted loved ones.

They stressed that Gen. Musa’s priority remains the task of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, working closely with President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, adding that the Defence Minister is widely respected as a disciplined and credible Army General.

The coalition also commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his swift intervention in Kurmin Wali, including the deployment of additional security personnel and the construction of an access road to aid security operations. They said the measures helped the community resume normal activities, including Sunday worship, barely a week after the incident.

Reaffirming their political stance, the group said Southern Kaduna remains united in its support for President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and Governor Uba Sani, while rejecting what it described as “an unwarranted and divisive statement” by Engr. Tabara.

“We stand firmly behind the Minister of Defence to deliver on his mandate of tackling insecurity as entrusted to him by the President and the Nigerian people,” the coalition said.

They urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading narratives capable of distracting the Defence Minister or heating up the polity, stressing that national unity and security should remain the overriding priority.