A Christian group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has called on Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to pick a Christian as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The Nigerian Christian Youths in Politics (NICYP) said the demand was based on the numerical strength and political contributions of Christians in the state.

Addressing journalists in Minna, the group’s secretary, Barde Josecy Christopher, said Christians had remained committed to the APC and the current administration, and deserved representation in the state’s top political positions.

Christopher said the call was not aimed at promoting religious division but ensuring inclusiveness and giving all sections of the state a sense of belonging.

He added that Niger State has many qualified Christians with the experience, competence and integrity needed to serve as deputy governor.

The group also backed an earlier appeal by Christian stakeholders led by Jonathan Vatsa, who urged the governor and the APC to zone the deputy governorship position to a Christian candidate.

Speaking on behalf of Christian youths in Niger North, Bulus Gankon expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as inadequate recognition of Christians’ contributions to the party.

“With about 45 per cent population, our rights are not being considered. We were not happy with the last congress, and those are the kinds of things that discourage our youths,” he said.

Gankon, however, said Christian youths would remain members of the APC even if their demand was not granted.

Meanwhile, youth leader Janet Gana from Niger South said the group maintains a database of Christian politicians across the state, noting that political actors often engage them during elections to mobilise Christian voters.