OPINION: THE BALLOT IS MIGHTIER THAN RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT

OPINION: THE BALLOT IS MIGHTIER THAN RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT

2027 and the Politics of Running Mates in Niger State

By Abdulmumin Jibril Abdullahi Esq.

The recent demand by a coalition of APC Christian members in Niger State urging Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to nominate a Christian running mate for the 2027 governorship election has once again brought the politics of religion to the forefront of public discourse. Their warning that failure to do so may result in protest votes or even support for another political party is a reminder that democracy is ultimately driven by the will of the people.

However, while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to express political opinions, organise peacefully, and advocate for inclusion, it is important to distinguish political expectations from constitutional requirements. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) does not prescribe religion as a qualification or criterion for the nomination of a deputy governor or running mate. The choice of candidates remains a political decision for parties, subject only to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the internal rules of the political party.

If any group believes that a political party has failed to reflect its aspirations or interests, the most potent and lawful response is not to insist that the Constitution confers a religious entitlement where none exists. Rather, the proper democratic remedy lies in the ballot box.

Votes are the language of democracy. They are more persuasive than threats, more powerful than rhetoric, and more enduring than protests. Every eligible voter has the freedom to support, reject, or replace any candidate or political party through the electoral process. That is the essence of constitutional democracy.

Political parties, on their part, should not dismiss the concerns of any segment of their membership. Inclusive leadership, meaningful consultation, and sensitivity to the diverse composition of society are hallmarks of responsible politics. At the same time, no political office should be reduced solely to religious identity. Competence, integrity, vision, capacity, and commitment to public service remain indispensable qualities in democratic leadership.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, political actors should focus on building bridges rather than deepening divisions. Democracy flourishes when citizens are persuaded by ideas, performance, and policies, not when public debate is framed exclusively around religious identity.

The lesson is simple and enduring: if you are dissatisfied with a political decision, organise, persuade, campaign, and vote. The ballot not religious sentiment is the ultimate instrument of democratic change.

The Constitution guarantees equality before the law, not entitlement to political office based on religion. In a democracy, governments are not changed by demands; they are changed by votes.