2027 Presidency: Northern Forum Warns APC, Tinubu Against Repeating Muslim-Muslim Ticket

The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), amid the political gearing up for the 2027 general election, cautioned President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) against repeating the Muslim-Muslim ticket, insisting that inclusivity is vital for Nigeria’s stability and unity.

The group made the call in a statement on Tuesday signed by its leader, Dominic Alancha, where it argued that a balanced presidential ticket would strengthen national cohesion and electoral viability.

Naija News recalls that Tinubu, as the APC’s candidate in 2023, chose former Borno State governor Kashim Shettima as his running mate despite nationwide criticism.

Both men went on to win the poll, but not without backlash. The NENF said the choice fuelled religious tension and alienated millions of northern Christians.

There Is Need For National Cohesion -NENF

“The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum, representing the marginalised ethnic nationalities of Northern Nigeria, issues a clarion call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC to abandon plans for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2027. Our demand is rooted in the urgent need for national cohesion, electoral viability, and justice for Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities,” the group said.

It noted that over 80 per cent of northern Christians rejected APC in 2023, costing the party Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and the FCT, while several Christian politicians defected in protest.

‘APC Risks Losing Middle Belt States’

The forum also warned that repeating the same Muslim-Muslim strategy in 2027 could prove costly for the ruling party.

“A repeat of the Muslim-Muslim ticket could see the APC lose Middle Belt states, where northern Christians command about 90 per cent of the votes,” the group added.

It further noted that even some Muslim groups had cautioned against retaining the same ticket, stressing that Peter Obi’s sweeping victories in Christian-dominated areas in 2023 were proof that exclusionary politics fuels opposition.

According to the statement, a possible Obi–Atiku alliance could dismantle APC’s support base if Tinubu ignores the warning.

While acknowledging Shettima’s competence, the NENF maintained that he cannot address the grievances triggered by the 2023 pairing.

“We urge the President to make a public commitment to renounce the Muslim-Muslim ticket and restore national trust. Adopting a northern Christian vice president will broaden APC’s appeal, secure the North-Central and much of the Middle Belt, and raise the party’s vote share by up to 45 per cent in 2027,” the group said.

It recommended that Tinubu should consider a running mate from Plateau, Taraba, or Bauchi State, describing the move as one that would follow the inclusive models of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, who both maintained religious balance on their tickets.