Southern Kaduna Coalition Rejects Call For Defence Minister To Emerge As Tinubu’s Running Mate

A coalition of socio‑cultural and professional organisations from Southern Kaduna has distanced the region from recent calls that Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd) be considered as a running mate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 general elections.

The clarification followed comments by the president of the Southern Kaduna United People’s Association (SOKAPU), Samuel Tabara Kato, who praised Tinubu for appointing General Musa as Minister of Defence and suggested that Southern Kaduna supports him for the vice‑presidency.

But representatives of the coalition, including Dr Simon Majimre of the Southern Kaduna Community Development Associations, Edward John Auta of Southern Kaduna Patriots for Good Governance, and leaders of the Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum and SOKAPU Youths, stressed that Tabara’s remarks reflect only his personal view.

They emphasised that there was no broad consultation with stakeholders in the region before the suggestion was made.

“The timing of this call is equally troubling,” one representative said, noting that Southern Kaduna is still grappling with the recent abduction of over 170 persons in Kurmin Wali.

The coalition argued that no responsible leadership should prioritise discussions about a presidential running mate while families and communities continue to endure ongoing anguish.

While acknowledging that General Musa is an astute and credible Army General, the group stressed that his immediate responsibility remains the nation’s security, working closely with the President and Vice President.

“Southern Kaduna is united in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Uba Sani against the unwarranted statement made by Mr. Tabara.

“We 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 said in a statement.

The coalition also commended Governor Uba Sani for his swift response to the Kurmin Wali crisis, highlighting his actions to reinforce security personnel and mobilise workers and equipment to construct a road that improved access for security agencies.

They noted that those efforts helped the affected community resume Sunday worship barely a week after the abduction, an outcome they described as positive amid the crisis.

The group called on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives that could distract the Defence Minister or undermine national unity.