Northern Christian Leadership Calls for Religious Balance in Nigerian Presidency
In response to recent political developments, the Young Christian Democrats (YCD) has emphasized the need for Northern Christian representation in Nigeria’s highest office, citing ongoing security challenges facing religious minorities in the region.
National Coordinator of YCD, Mr. Ezekiel Dinfa, has pushed back against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent outreach to Christian communities during his visit to Jos. While the President highlighted his respect for religious freedom and referenced his wife’s position as a pastor, Dinfa argues this perspective fails to address the deeper concerns of Northern Christians.
“Southern Christians do not understand what we are going through. Only a Northern Christian does,” Dinfa stated, highlighting the unique challenges faced by over 250 Northern minority communities amid rising Islamist extremism and terrorism in the region.
The YCD has endorsed Dr. Joel Gbenga Hashim, a PDP member, as their preferred candidate. Dinfa praised Hashim’s credentials as both a successful entrepreneur and one of the PDP’s founding members, emphasizing his expertise in national security and economics.
According to Dinfa, Dr. Hashim’s background makes him particularly suitable for the role. “Dr Hashim is a fair minded democrat who will protect Muslims too because like most Northern Christians he has his muslim roots as well,” he explained.
Drawing parallels with former leader General Yakubu Gowon’s role in unifying Nigeria after the civil war, Dinfa portrayed Hashim as a potential bridge-builder, citing his mixed Northern and Southern heritage. He suggested that many current political aspirants lack the deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex social fabric that Hashim possesses.
The call for Northern Christian leadership comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with religious tensions and security challenges, particularly in its northern regions, where minority Christian communities face increasing pressures from extremist activities.
