President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing increasing pressure to reconsider his choice of running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as calls for greater religious balance and inclusivity in Nigeria’s leadership grow louder.
A Northern Islamic group, the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, has urged President Tinubu to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima and instead choose a Northern Christian as his running mate. The call was made in a statement released on Sunday by the group’s convener, Bala Duguri, following wide consultations with Islamic organizations across Northern Nigeria.
“Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the northern states with various Islamic organisations to speak with one voice on the political direction of the APC-led administration. The outcome is very encouraging,” Duguri said.
This fresh demand underscores what many analysts now describe as a defining test for President Tinubu as the 2027 elections approach. The debate around faith representation in the presidential ticket is gaining traction, with the pressure on Tinubu to drop Shettima becoming a central topic in political conversations.
The group acknowledged that although the Muslim-Muslim ticket of Tinubu and Shettima in 2023 stirred controversy, it succeeded electorally. However, they now argue that the Christian community’s support in that election must be formally recognized and reciprocated.
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“The sacrifices made by our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the 2023 presidential elections, in the spirit of unity and national progress, need to be acknowledged. It’s time for Muslim political actors to make similar sacrifices,” Duguri said.
He further appealed to all Muslim politicians with vice-presidential ambitions in 2027 to step down in favour of a Northern Christian, describing the move as necessary for the country’s peace and unity.
“We believe the most appropriate step forward is for a Northern Christian to be selected as the Vice Presidential candidate in 2027,” Duguri added.
The group also called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and President Tinubu to embrace a more inclusive and representative ticket for the next election cycle.
Although Vice President Shettima has yet to comment on the matter, political speculation continues to mount. Insiders say the growing pressure on Tinubu to drop Shettima could significantly influence the internal dynamics of the APC as the 2027 elections approach.
Duguri concluded that the group’s recommendation was rooted in a genuine concern for national cohesion, democratic stability, and the long-term success of Tinubu’s administration.
As the 2027 campaign season nears, how the president navigates this delicate issue could significantly influence the APC’s standing—and the future political landscape of Nigeria.
Why Tinubu Chose Shettima:
When Bola Ahmed Tinubu named Kashim Shettima as his running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential election, it sparked widespread discussion across Nigeria’s political landscape. Beyond the headlines and controversy, the decision was a calculated move rooted in political strategy, loyalty, and national reach.
A Northern Anchor for a Southern Flagbearer
As a Southern Muslim from Lagos, Tinubu needed a strong counterbalance in the North to complete the ticket. Shettima, a former two-term governor of Borno State, was the perfect fit. Known for his resilience during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis, Shettima earned respect across Northern Nigeria for leading with strength and compassion in turbulent times.
Tinubu’s camp understood that to win a national election, especially one with strong regional dynamics, they had to secure the North-East—a region where Shettima enjoys considerable goodwill and influence.
The Muslim-Muslim Ticket: A Bold (and Controversial) Move
Tinubu’s decision to run a Muslim-Muslim ticket wasn’t without backlash. Critics called it insensitive in a multi-religious country. But Tinubu defended his choice, saying he prioritized competence over religion. He maintained that Shettima was chosen for his track record, intellect, and national appeal, not his faith.
“Some may not agree with the religious pairing,” Tinubu once said, “but elections aren’t about sentiments—they’re about winning and delivering.” Long before the primaries, Shettima had stood solidly behind Tinubu’s presidential ambition. While others were still hedging their bets, Shettima publicly rallied support, often taking arrows from critics in Tinubu’s defense.
That kind of loyalty doesn’t go unnoticed in Nigerian politics. Sources close to the APC say Tinubu saw in Shettima not just a running mate—but a partner who shares his vision and won’t flinch under fire.
Signaling a New Generation
At 57, Shettima represents a shift toward a younger, more tech-savvy political class. With degrees in agricultural economics and banking experience, he brings intellectual depth and technocratic understanding to the table.
For Tinubu, choosing Shettima sent a subtle message: this administration isn’t just about legacy—it’s about preparing the future. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Shettima is seen as a bridge-builder. He maintains relationships across powerful blocs in the North and has been praised for his diplomatic style. His emergence helped stabilize internal party politics and gave Tinubu a unifying figure to run with.
