…Group backs Jerry Adams’ nomination, says decision signals new era of inclusion ahead of 2027
By Danjuma AMODU
KADUNA — The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has endorsed Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani’s decision to nominate Mr. Jerry Adams, a Christian and former Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, KADIRS, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The group described the move as a landmark step toward healing the state’s long-standing religious divisions and consolidating peace.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak, and Kaduna State Coordinator, Daniel John, NCYP said the Governor’s choice reflects statesmanship and a deliberate commitment to building an inclusive government in one of Nigeria’s most religiously diverse and politically sensitive states.
The endorsement comes amid public debate over the Governor’s decision to replace his current deputy with Adams, a development widely viewed as one of the most significant political moves ahead of the 2027 elections in Kaduna.
NCYP said the nomination sends a strong signal that every segment of Kaduna society has a place in government, and that the administration is determined to rebuild trust among communities fractured by years of ethno-religious violence.
“Governor Uba Sani did not make this decision for personal political gain but in the overall interest of Kaduna State. It is a step towards restoring mutual trust and strengthening peaceful coexistence”
The group recalled that Kaduna had, over the years, become synonymous with recurring religious crises, communal clashes, banditry, kidnappings and attacks that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.
It noted that while the immediate past administration grappled with many of those security challenges, Governor Uba Sani had adopted a different approach centred on dialogue, reconciliation and stakeholder engagement. NCYP cited the administration’s Peace and Reconciliation Initiative, which brings together Christian and Muslim leaders as well as traditional institutions, as one of the policies contributing to the relative peace in many parts of the state.
On Adams’ credentials, NCYP described him as an accomplished administrator with a record of competence and integrity. It said that as KADIRS chairman, Adams drove institutional reforms that strengthened internally generated revenue, while his earlier career with the Nigerian Bottling Company gave him extensive management experience and the ability to work across religious and ethnic lines.
The group argued that while the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election reflected prevailing political arrangements at the time, picking a Christian running mate for 2027 represents a conscious effort to deepen inclusion and reinforce confidence among Kaduna’s diverse communities.
NCYP urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations and residents to support what it called a courageous decision capable of strengthening social cohesion. It acknowledged that some dissenting voices had criticised the nomination, but insisted the choice should be viewed beyond politics as an investment in lasting peace and sustainable development.
The organisation reaffirmed its support for Governor Uba Sani’s administration and pledged to mobilise for his re-election in 2027, expressing confidence that his inclusive leadership would further stabilise Kaduna and unlock greater economic opportunities.
Kaduna has historically occupied a unique place in Nigeria’s political landscape, with religion often playing a defining role in elections and governance. Debates over Muslim-Christian balance in leadership have shaped alignments and, at times, fuelled tension. Analysts say Governor Uba Sani’s decision to nominate a Christian running mate marks a notable departure from recent configurations and is likely to remain a major talking point as activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
