ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has reignited the national debate over the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
The announcement, made last week, has drawn mixed reactions across the country, with supporters describing it as a move that guarantees continuity and stability, while critics argue it overlooks Nigeria’s religious diversity and the need for broader political inclusion.
The same-faith ticket first sparked intense controversy ahead of the 2023 general election, with opponents insisting it failed to reflect the country’s multi-religious character. Tinubu’s decision to maintain the arrangement for 2027 has once again placed the issue at the centre of political discourse.
Supporters Back Continuity
Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central, praised Tinubu for standing by his deputy despite pressure to replace him.
According to the lawmaker, retaining Shettima demonstrates loyalty, stability and confidence in the administration’s leadership.
“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, adding that Shettima has remained loyal, committed and accessible throughout the administration.
He urged Nigerians to support the Tinubu government, arguing that its infrastructure agenda, inclusiveness and long-term vision deserve national backing.
Similarly, retired military officer and Professor of Law, Major Bello M. Magaji, described the decision as a strategic move that preserves institutional memory and ensures policy continuity.
He said changing the leadership structure at this stage could disrupt ongoing reforms in the economy, security and governance, adding that the existing partnership between Tinubu and Shettima has developed the trust and coordination required for effective governance.
Magaji also argued that the decision signals internal cohesion within the ruling party by rewarding loyalty and performance.
Critics Raise Concerns Over Inclusion
However, opposition voices and socio-political groups insist the APC missed an opportunity to promote national unity by retaining the same-faith ticket.
National Rescue Movement (NRM) chieftain, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, said while the Constitution does not prohibit a Muslim-Muslim ticket, political leaders should remain sensitive to Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity.
He argued that a more inclusive presidential ticket would have reassured Nigerians that every section of the country is adequately represented.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. A leadership that reflects this diversity strengthens national confidence and reinforces the principle that no group should feel excluded,” he said.
Olorunmagba, however, urged Nigerians to judge candidates based on competence, policy direction and their ability to tackle economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and governance challenges rather than religious identity alone.
Middle Belt Forum Expresses Disappointment
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) also faulted the APC’s decision, describing it as another missed opportunity to recognise the political importance of the region.
In a statement signed by its National Spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, the forum argued that the continued Muslim-Muslim ticket fails to reflect Nigeria’s religious and regional diversity, while also excluding Muslims from the Middle Belt.
The group said it had consistently advocated for a presidency that reflects the country’s pluralistic nature, stressing that the highest offices should promote inclusion, fairness and national unity.
Despite its reservations, the MBF said it has yet to adopt an official position ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that its Board of Trustees and National Working Committee would determine its political direction at the appropriate time.
Christian Leaders Oppose Same-Faith Ticket
The Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) also criticised the APC’s decision.
Its Chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, challenged supporters of the Muslim-Muslim ticket to point to the tangible benefits the arrangement has delivered since 2023.
“Nigerians should judge how well they have fared with the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. The people will speak at the appropriate time,” he said.
ACF Yet to Take Official Position
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said it has not reached an official position on the development.
National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the forum had only received reports of Shettima’s renomination and would deliberate on the matter before making any formal pronouncement.
He noted that selecting a running mate remains the constitutional prerogative of the President and his political party, adding that the electorate would ultimately decide whether the ticket deserves another mandate.
Former ACF Secretary-General, Anthony Sani, also defended Tinubu’s decision, saying every political party has the right to adopt strategies it believes can secure victory.
“If some people believe the Muslim-Muslim ticket is not a winning formula, they are free to present a better alternative. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.
Debate Expected to Continue
Political analysts say the renewed debate reflects the delicate balance between identity politics and governance in Nigeria.
While supporters maintain that retaining Shettima offers continuity and policy stability, critics argue that the composition of the presidential ticket should better reflect Nigeria’s religious and regional diversity.
As political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general election, the Muslim-Muslim ticket is expected to remain one of the major issues shaping public discourse and electoral calculations.
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