Supporters praise continuity in the Tinubu-Shettima partnership, while critics question its implications for religious balance ahead of the next election
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has reignited national debate over the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket, with supporters describing the move as a symbol of stability while critics question its impact on religious inclusion.
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The APC’s decision to maintain the same faith ticket that featured in the 2023 election has reopened one of the most contested issues of the last electoral cycle.
While party supporters argue that continuity and experience should guide the choice, opponents say Nigeria’s religious diversity requires broader representation at the highest levels of government.
The APC’s Muslim-Muslim Ticket Sparks Debate comes after President Tinubu confirmed Shettima’s return as his preferred running mate, ending months of speculation over whether the ruling party would alter its presidential combination ahead of the 2027 poll.
Supporters of the arrangement have defended the decision as a reward for loyalty and effective partnership. Senator Diket Plang, who represents Plateau Central, described the move as evidence of confidence in Shettima’s contribution to the administration.
“I thank God that President Tinubu has remained steadfast and retained Shettima as his vice president. That is stability at the highest level of leadership,” Plang said.
He added that Shettima had demonstrated commitment and accessibility while working with the president, arguing that continuity would help the administration sustain its policies.
Retired military officer and professor of law Major Bello M. Magaji also backed the decision, saying maintaining the ticket would preserve institutional memory and prevent disruption to ongoing reforms.
According to Magaji, the Tinubu-Shettima partnership had developed the trust and coordination required for effective governance.
“Beyond political symbolism, it reinforces continuity in governance, which is critical at this stage of Nigeria’s development,” he said.
However, critics argue that the decision represents a missed opportunity to demonstrate religious and regional balance in a country with a complex political structure.
National Rescue Movement chieftain Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba said the APC’s choice reflected political strategy rather than a commitment to broader inclusion.
He acknowledged that the Nigerian Constitution does not prevent a same-faith ticket but argued that political leadership must consider the country’s diverse religious and ethnic composition.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in our diversity. Our federation is built on mutual respect among people of different faiths, ethnicities and regions,” Olorunmagba said.
The Middle Belt Forum also expressed disappointment with the decision, arguing that the arrangement failed to recognise the political significance of the region.
The forum’s spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, said the continuation of the Muslim-Muslim ticket overlooked the Middle Belt’s contribution to the administration and its largely Christian population.
“We believe this is another missed opportunity to recognise the strategic importance of the Middle Belt,” Binniyat said.
The group, however, stated that it had not adopted a final political position ahead of the 2027 election, saying its decision would be guided by its leadership structures and assessment of candidates’ ability to protect regional and national interests.
The Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) also criticised the decision. Its chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, urged Nigerians to judge the performance of the current administration before deciding whether the same-faith arrangement had delivered the expected benefits.
“Nigerians should judge how well they had fared with the Muslim-Muslim ticket of Tinubu/Shettima,” Oibe said.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has not taken an official position on the development. Its national publicity secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the organisation was still studying the implications of the decision.
He noted that the choice of a running mate remained the constitutional responsibility of the president and the APC, adding that the electorate would ultimately determine the success of the political strategy.
Former ACF national publicity secretary Anthony Sani argued that President Tinubu was entitled to pursue a strategy he believed could strengthen the party’s chances in 2027.
“If the move, to some people, is not a winning game plan, they are at liberty to counteract it with their superior game plan,” Sani said.
As political preparations begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 election, the Muslim-Muslim ticket is expected to remain a major issue in public debate.
Also read: Osun Guber: APC Candidate Urges British Mission to Monitor Poll
While APC supporters emphasise governance, continuity and performance, critics continue to argue that representation and national cohesion should play a central role in Nigeria’s leadership choices.
