The Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has come as a surprise to the party’s Northern Christians, Charmingpro reports
When Northern Christians are discussed, the focus is usually on the middle belt states and Southern Kaduna; however, the Northeast has one of the highest concentrations of Christians in the country, with Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe having the highest concentrations.
In 2015, ex-SGF Babachir Lawal backed Muhammadu Buhari and was rewarded with the position of SGF, despite widespread advice that the position be given to someone from the South-East to reassure Igbos that the government will be inclusive regardless of election results.
When Babachir Lawal was forced to resign as a result of the grass-cutting scandal, President Buhari appointed another member of the bloc, Boss Mustapha, a Christian from Adamawa State.
At the legislative branch, Yakubu Dogara outwitted Femi Gbajabimaila and the APC structure to become Speaker of the House of Representatives. Gbajabiamila chose Mohammed Monguno, a Kanuri from Borno, as his running mate, while Dogara chose a Yoruba from Osun State.
While Gbajabiamila’s ticket was Muslim/Muslim, Dogara was able to secure a Christian/Muslim ticket, which ultimately won the election. He was forced to leave the ruling party before the 2019 elections.
It’s safe to say that the Northeast Christian APC leaders had a good year in 2015, with the number four seat and the SGF secured.