A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, has urged political parties in Kaduna State to avoid presenting same-faith governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists in Kaduna, Maraya said the state’s heterogeneous religious and ethnic composition requires an inclusive leadership arrangement that reflects its diversity and promotes peaceful coexistence.

He said Kaduna had, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, maintained a tradition of producing governors and deputy governors from different religious backgrounds, a development he said had fostered justice, unity and a sense of belonging among residents.

According to him, the administrations of former governors Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, the late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and Mukhtar Ramalan Yero all reflected religious balance in the composition of the state’s leadership.

“That display of justice has gone a long way in ensuring togetherness and a sense of belonging in the state, to the extent that no section or religion felt neglected in the affairs of government,” he said.

Maraya said the inclusive leadership arrangement during those administrations also coincided with improvements in infrastructure and the provision of social amenities across many parts of the state.

The cleric, who served as Special Adviser on Islamic Matters to the late Governor Patrick Yakowa and former Governor Ramalan Yero, expressed concern over the adoption of a same-faith governorship ticket during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

He said many residents who believe in equity and fairness did not support the arrangement, adding that political parties should return to the practice of fielding candidates of different religious faiths for the offices of governor and deputy governor.

“This will go a long way to unite us and ensure equal representation in governance. The two major religions have a large number of followers in the state, and things should be done in a way that carries everyone along so that together we can achieve peace, unity and progress,” he said.

Maraya also urged other heterogeneous states, including Plateau, to adopt similar arrangements to strengthen peaceful coexistence and religious harmony.

He said both Islam and Christianity preach peace and called on political leaders to uphold justice and fairness in governance.

Quoting the renowned Islamic scholar, Ibn Taymiyyah, Maraya said justice remains the foundation of successful governance irrespective of the religious affiliation of leaders.

He also cited Nasarawa and Taraba states as examples where governors and their deputies are of different faiths, saying such arrangements have helped to promote unity and inclusiveness. (Daily Trust)