Fresh political discussions suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is quietly evaluating four prominent northern Christian leaders as potential running mates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Sources in print, broadcast, and online media indicate that former Speaker Hon. Yakubu Dogara, retired Defence Minister Lt-Gen. Christopher Musa, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah are among the names in serious circulation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to multiple reports, the President’s inner circle is reviewing these options as part of a strategy aimed at balancing religion and geography, with all four possible picks coming from predominantly Christian northern states.
Analysts note that under the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu retains the constitutional freedom to select a running mate from any region of the country.
The debate comes amid lingering criticism of the Muslim–Muslim ticket adopted in the 2023 elections, which drew scrutiny from both domestic and international observers. Christian associations, civil society groups, and community organisations have repeatedly voiced concerns over insecurity in northern Christian communities, urging more inclusive political representation.
Observers stress that Nigeria’s next leadership must prioritize stability, economic growth, and equal treatment for all citizens across the six geopolitical zones and 774 local government areas, making the choice of running mate a central issue shaping alliances and party conversations as 2027 approaches.