President Tinubu faces pressure to adopt a Muslim-Christian ticket for the 2027 election, with US forces influencing Nigeria’s political landscape
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is under mounting pressure to ensure religious balance on his 2027 re-election ticket, sources revealed on Wednesday.
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Forces from the United States have reportedly pushed for a Muslim-Christian pairing, reshaping discussions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political insiders indicated that several candidates are being considered for the vice-presidential slot if Tinubu adopts the suggested pairing.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, leads the list, followed by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa.
Kukah and Musa hail from Kaduna state, while Dogara is from Bauchi state.
Sources confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s future remains uncertain.
While most APC governors support his retention, some close to Tinubu had previously considered replacing him with former Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, or National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The recent US pressure for a Muslim-Christian ticket appears to have stalled those plans.
Tinubu’s team is reportedly considering incentives for Shettima if he is dropped, including an appointment as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations or support for a 2031 presidential bid.
However, US advisers are said to favour a rotational shift of power to the South East after Tinubu, as part of national inclusion efforts.
Questions remain over Bishop Kukah’s willingness to enter politics and whether the Vatican would approve his release for such a role.
Sources indicated that Tinubu’s team would approach Kukah if the Muslim-Christian ticket plan is implemented.
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As the 2027 election approaches, political pressure groups and prominent voices continue to shape the narrative, calling for generational shifts, regional equity, and political stability, with several high-profile figures publicly urged to step aside.
