By Dickson Adeyanju
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, has refuted claims suggesting he could serve as a running mate to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Kukah spoke with Agodireporters during the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), which held in Abuja between February 19 and 26, 2026. He dismissed the idea of him joining the presidential race or serve as vice president to anyone, as being speculated, to balance the Muslim-Christian ticket.
According to him, the issue of religion in Nigeria goes beyond mere balancing of faiths by political office holders.
“Our leaders must look beyond religion, we must look beyond parochial narrow mindedness if we must develop as a country. Yes these cries of faith balancing between Christian and Muslim will continue to play a big factor when elections are around the corner. But the big question is that where has this led us? Where has it taken us to? But let me even tell that this did not start today, I mean the pressure to abdicate my priestly office. But for what?
He said he is fully committed to his calling as a Catholic priest and has no desire to leave it for political office.
According to him, his priesthood is of greater value than any position in government. He stated that no political offer can compare with the spiritual responsibility he carries as a servant of God.
Kukah also said that the idea of him becoming a running mate does not align with his life’s mission and personal convictions.
He said that the president does not have anything to offer him in terms of a political ticket, adding that his role in the church is far more important to him than holding public office.
“Do I look like somebody who can be running mate to anybody? Why will I run for the presidency? I have something that is more that the presidency. My priesthood is more than anything you can offer. Tinubu cannot offer me a ticket.”
“As a Catholic bishop, we have an agreement which we all signed and is bounding on all. So, if you want to leave that office to go and do something else, you certainly know what you are likely to face. A Catholic priest left to hold a public office in Nigeria here and by the time he wanted to come back, it was a hell for him. The door was shut against him. So what will I be looking for as a Vice President of Nigeria? What will it confer on me? I am satisfied and very fulfilled as a priest”, Kukah said.
