President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has revived debate over the All Progressives Congress Muslim Muslim ticket, ValidViewNetwork reports.
ValidViewNetwork reports that political parties and stakeholders remain divided over whether competence or religious balance should shape Nigeria’s leadership.
APC ends months of speculation
The APC confirmed on Friday that Tinubu would contest the 2027 election with Shettima.
The decision ended speculation that the President could replace Shettima with a Northern Christian.
Before the announcement, several prominent Nigerians were linked to the position.
They included the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and former Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
Debate over religious balance resumes
The APC’s decision revived arguments that dominated the 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu, a Muslim from the South West, again chose Shettima, a Muslim from the North East.
Critics argued that the same faith ticket weakens Nigeria’s tradition of religious balance.
However, Tinubu and Shettima won the 2023 presidential election.
APGA, YPP back competence
The All Progressives Grand Alliance urged Nigerians to focus on leadership quality.
National Publicity Secretary Ejimofor Opara said competence should outweigh religion.
He said, “Competence should remain the defining issue in 2027, not whether candidates are Muslims or Christians.”
The Young Progressives Party expressed a similar position.
Its spokesman, Wale Egbeola Martins, said Nigeria’s greatest challenge remains poor leadership.
He said character, competence, and integrity should guide leadership choices.
APC defends its decision
ValidViewNetwork reports that the APC defended its decision to retain Shettima.
Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim said the choice followed careful political assessment.
He said the same faith ticket had not created the religious tensions predicted before the 2023 election.
He also said the administration had promoted interfaith harmony.
Stakeholders cite political realities
Action Democratic Party National Chairman Yabagi Yusuf said electoral considerations influenced the decision.
He argued that political parties seek combinations that attract the broadest support.
He said, “It’s politics. They must have done their calculations.”
Coalition of United Political Parties leader Mark Adebayo also defended the decision.
He predicted that security, the economy, and governance would dominate the 2027 campaign.
Youth groups oppose ticket
Some groups criticised the APC’s decision.
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The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders described the ticket as insensitive to Nigeria’s diversity.
President General Goodluck Ibem urged the APC to embrace greater inclusiveness.
The South South Youths Initiative also rejected Shettima’s renomination.
Its National President, Imeabe Oscar, alleged that electoral calculations influenced the decision.
Middle Belt Forum raises concern
Middle Belt Forum President Dr Pogu Bitrus criticised the same faith ticket.
He said retaining it sends the wrong signal in a religiously diverse country.
He urged the APC to reconsider its position.
Others support Tinubu’s choice
The Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership defended the decision.
Chairman Debo Adeniran said fears expressed before the 2023 election had not materialised.
He also cited Shettima’s loyalty and working relationship with Tinubu.
APC leaders in Abia State welcomed the decision.
State Chairman Chijioke Chukwu said there was no reason to replace the Vice President.
Ohanaeze chieftain Justice Rowland Ajuzieogu also praised Shettima’s loyalty.
Industrialist Sam Ohuabunwa said the successful 2023 ticket did not require changes.
Afenifere disagrees
A faction of Afenifere criticised the decision.
National Publicity Secretary Justice Faloye said another same faith ticket fails to promote fairness and inclusiveness.
He urged greater respect for Nigeria’s religious diversity.
The renewed debate reflects Nigeria’s continuing struggle to balance merit, inclusion, and electoral strategy, with supporters prioritising competence and political stability while critics continue to advocate greater religious balance in national leadership, ValidViewNetwork reports.