An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Farouk Aliyu, has dismissed suggestions linking attacks on churches and Christian communities to Muslims, while also stating that Northern Nigeria would not be comfortable with a Christian–Christian presidential ticket.
Aliyu spoke during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, January 30, 2026, while responding to questions on insecurity, religious concerns, and political balancing ahead of national elections. The interviewer noted widespread concern among Christians over persistent attacks and kidnappings. “Number one, definitely a lot of Christians are not happy,” the anchor said.
The anchor cited repeated incidents affecting churches and worshippers. “And we are seeing it in the massive kidnappings and attacks on Christians,” he said. The discussion referenced ongoing debates around religious persecution. “And that’s why the conversation about Christian genocide has been on,” the anchor stated.
Specific churches were mentioned during the exchange. “It’s as if there’s a direct attack on ECWA churches,” the anchor said. He added, “Goodness me, I don’t know how many ECWA churches have been attacked.” Recent casualties were also highlighted. “177 people in Kaduna recently from different churches,” the anchor said. The anchor described the scale of violence. “All sorts of activities and atrocious activities, Christians are complaining,” he added.
He linked the concerns to political discourse. “And they also mute the conversation about a Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said. He explained that the issue raised broader political questions. “Hence the conversation about balancing out the tickets,” the anchor stated. He acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns. “So those concerns are valid,” he said.
The anchor then posed a direct political question. “But let me stretch it also further by asking you, will the north be cool with a Christian-Christian tickets?” he asked. Responding, Aliyu cautioned against generalization. “Now, the first one about attack on ECWA churches, you know, I take exception to generalizing,” he said. He rejected the idea of religious attribution. “It’s the Muslims are arranging these things. It’s not true,” Aliyu stated.
He further clarified his position. “Those kidnapping the churches or people in churches, they do not, they don’t represent Islam,” he said. The anchor immediately challenged the statement. “Mr. Farooq Ali, with due respect, you need to apologize to me,” the anchor said. He denied making such an accusation. “Can you tell me anywhere I said just now that Muslims are arranging these things?” he asked. The anchor added, “I never said so.”
He accused Aliyu of misrepresentation. “So when you say you take exceptions to what I didn’t say, I deserve an apology because you misquoted me right in my face,” he said. Aliyu acknowledged the point. “Okay. I apologize for that,” he said. He repeated his clarification. “But I also want you to, you know, yeah, I apologize for that,” he added.
Aliyu maintained his broader position. “But, but I also put it to you that these things are not, if anybody thinks Muslims are arranging these things, it’s not true,” he said. He concluded on the issue. “So it’s got nothing to do with Muslims,” Aliyu said. Turning to the political question, he was cautious. “Well, let’s just, let’s wait until when we get to the bridge to see whether we can cross it,” he said.
When pressed further, Aliyu gave a clearer response. “Based on the North,” he said. “I know the North will not be comfortable with Christian-Christian ticket because if you do that, you’re completely alienating the Muslims in the North,” Aliyu stated.
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