BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, a nationwide coalition of youth leaders is urging political parties to ensure that their presidential candidates reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity by running a joint Muslim-Christian ticket.
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), a body representing young Nigerians across all six geopolitical zones, issued a public statement on Monday advocating for balanced religious representation in the nation’s highest offices. The group said that after the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023, many Christians felt politically excluded, which they argue has harmed national unity.
“Religious representation in leadership isn’t just symbolic, it’s essential for peace and inclusion in a country as diverse as Nigeria,” the coalition said.
Signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the statement called on all political stakeholders to avoid repeating what the group described as “exclusionary” political choices of the past. CONYL stressed that a joint Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim ticket would go a long way in repairing the trust deficit among citizens.
They highlighted several key benefits of such a balanced ticket:
It would send a strong message of unity to all Nigerians.
It could ease religious tensions and promote interfaith cooperation.
It would reflect democratic values and give every citizen a sense of belonging.
The coalition emphasized that Nigeria’s youth-the largest voting bloc are disillusioned with politics driven by division, and are now looking for leadership that brings people together.
“We want leaders who represent all of us not just some of us,” the group said. “A presidency that mirrors Nigeria’s religious makeup is not just inclusive, it’s necessary for national healing.”
They also appealed to religious leaders, civil society groups, and community influencers to back the push for a more representative ticket, insisting that inclusive governance is the way forward.
“We believe the future of Nigeria depends on leaders who can unite the people, regardless of faith,” CONYL concluded.
