KADUNA – A major coalition representing Southern Kaduna has publicly disavowed calls for Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa to be considered as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, labelling the speculation “premature” and a “harmful distraction” from Nigeria’s security crisis.
The unified rebuke, issued on Monday by an alliance of socio-cultural, professional, and community development associations, directly counters recent remarks made by Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, President of the Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPUA). Kato had suggested the region backed General Musa, a prominent native son appointed Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the vice-presidency in the next election cycle.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, coalition leaders forcefully asserted that Kato’s position was an isolated personal view, not representative of Southern Kaduna’s collective stance. The coalition includes the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, the Southern Kaduna Patriots for Good Governance, the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF), and key youth and community leaders.
“The statement made by Mr. Tabara is his personal opinion and does not represent the collective position of the people of Southern Kaduna,” stated Dr. Simon Majimre, speaking on behalf of the alliance. He emphasised that the region’s focus remains fixed on immediate, life-and-death issues rather than distant political manoeuvring.
The coalition cited the recent mass abduction of over 170 individuals in Kurmin Wali, Kagarko Local Government Area, as a stark example of why such electoral speculation is profoundly ill-timed. “The timing of this call is equally troubling,” the group’s statement read. “No responsible leadership should focus on a presidential running mate while families and communities continue to endure such anguish. Our priority is the security and safe return of our people.”
Endorsement of Current Mandate, Not Future Ambition
While expressing pride in General Musa’s appointment and describing him as “an astute and credible Army General,” the coalition stressed that his current national security mandate is all-consuming and paramount. They argued that any discussion of future political office dangerously diverts attention from his critical work alongside President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“The people of Southern Kaduna stand firmly behind the Minister of Defence to deliver on his mandate of fighting insecurity as entrusted to him by the President and the Nigerian people,” the coalition resolved. “Any narrative that seeks to distract from this core national duty is unhelpful and should be rejected by all patriots.”
In a clear demonstration of where their current loyalties lie, the coalition also commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his administration’s rapid response to the Kurmin Wali tragedy. They noted the swift deployment of security assets and the construction of a critical access road, which facilitated the community’s resumption of Sunday worship a mere week after the attack.
