Adebayo Criticises Tinubu Shettima Ticket ahead of 2027, saying the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket does not represent the values he expects from leadership
Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has criticised President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over their Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election, arguing that their leadership does not reflect the values he associates with Islamic principles.
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Adebayo made the comments during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he dismissed the significance of religious identity alone in determining effective leadership.
The SDP candidate said the pairing of Tinubu and Shettima should not be viewed as a representation of the Islamic faith in government, alleging that their administration has failed to meet standards of justice, honesty and compassion.
“Even if people were looking for Muslims in authority, the president and the vice don’t symbolise that, they symbolise the opposite,” Adebayo said.
“They are actually what the Prophet and all the leaders of Islam warned Muslims against. This kind of leadership where there is no justice, no truth, no honesty, where there is no kindness and no charity.”
The remarks come as political parties and candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with issues of governance, accountability and political alliances expected to shape public debate.
President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima were elected in 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), becoming Nigeria’s first major Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket since the return of democracy in 1999.
The ticket has remained a subject of debate, with supporters arguing that competence and national representation should take priority over religious considerations, while critics have continued to raise concerns about religious balance in a diverse country.
Ahead of the 2027 election, there had been speculation that Vice President Shettima could be replaced by a Christian running mate.
However, President Tinubu recently confirmed that Shettima would remain his running mate for the next election cycle.
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As campaigns and political consultations intensify, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket is expected to remain a major point of discussion among political parties, religious groups and voters ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
