Christian leaders in Niger State have demanded equal representation in political appointments and other affairs of the state, claiming Christians constitute 45.7 per cent of the state’s estimated population.
The demand was made in Minna on Sunday by the Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Youths in Politics, Niger State chapter, Evangelist Markus Salka, alongside the group’s Secretary, Barde Jesse.
Salka said available demographic data put the state’s projected 2025 population at 7,478,417, with an estimated 3,417,636 Christians.
He said the figures represented Christians at 45.7 per cent, Muslims at 46.1 per cent and adherents of other religions at 8.2 per cent.
The Christian leaders said the figures were compiled by a committee set up by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Niger State chapter, to establish the estimated Christian population across the state.
However, Salka acknowledged that the figures were estimates, noting that Nigeria’s 2006 population census did not capture religious affiliation.
He said the estimate was based on the 2025 population projection of the Niger State Bureau of Statistics, alongside demographic projections, surveys and research conducted since 2025.
“The size of the Christian population should not be judged by the level of participation in active politics.
“That some Christians do not participate in active politics does not mean we do not have the number. Christians make up a significant population in Niger State,” he said.
Salka said Christians could no longer remain silent while their population was allegedly being underestimated in discussions about political representation.
“We cannot, and we will never keep quiet and then allow those who do not know our population to project or assume figures for us for selfish interests,” he added.
The group also blamed insecurity for the displacement and deaths of Christians in some parts of the state.
Salka identified Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi and Magama as areas where, according to him, repeated attacks had affected Christian communities.
“Following the incessant insecurity in Christian-dominated local government areas, especially Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Rafi, Wushishi, Magama and others, majority of our people were killed, others relocated,” he alleged.
He further alleged that the displacement had altered the distribution of Christian communities in the affected areas.
The leaders maintained that Christians remained present across Niger State’s 25 local government areas despite the security challenges.
They listed Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical and African Instituted churches among the Christian denominations represented in the state.
The group also named the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN and ECWA-related fellowships among the Christian blocs in the state.
The leaders said their population data was particularly relevant ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that political participation and appointments should reflect what they described as the demographic realities of the state.