APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket reignites religious debate ahead of 2027

President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his 2027 running mate has reignited nationwide debate over the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, with reactions split between those prioritizing competence and those demanding religious balance.

APC’s Muslim-Muslim Ticket Sparks Fresh Debate

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for 2027 has reignited debate over the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, according to Punch Newspapers.

The confirmation ended months of speculation that Tinubu might pick a Northern Christian instead, reviving arguments that dominated the 2023 election when the same-faith pairing first sparked controversy. The APC has defended the choice, with the party’s publicity director, Bala Ibrahim, arguing the ticket hadn’t produced the religious tensions critics predicted.

Reactions have been mixed. APGA and the Young Progressives Party said competence should matter more than religion, while the Ijaw Youths Council echoed that leadership quality should be the yardstick.

But others pushed back. The Middle Belt Forum’s Dr Pogu Bitrus called the decision “a slight on Christian Nigerians,” while the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders and South-South Youths Initiative both criticized the retention as politically motivated and exclusionary. A faction of Afenifere also faulted the move, citing a lack of religious balance.

Meanwhile, APC stakeholders in Abia State and Ohanaeze chieftain Justice Rowland Ajuzieogu backed Shettima’s retention, citing loyalty and a stable working relationship with Tinubu.

Analysts suggest the 2027 race will likely hinge more on security, the economy and governance performance than religious identity.