President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has reignited discussions over the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket, with political groups and stakeholders divided over whether religion or competence should be the major consideration in choosing leaders.
The announcement by the APC ended months of speculation that Tinubu might replace Shettima with a Northern Christian, while bringing back the same debate that dominated the 2023 election.
Critics had argued that the same-faith ticket could affect Nigeria’s religious balance, but Tinubu and Shettima went on to win the 2023 presidential election, and the party has now decided to maintain the partnership for another term.
Some political parties have argued that leadership should be judged by performance, competence and integrity rather than religious identity. The All Progressives Grand Alliance and the Young Progressives Party said Nigeria should move beyond identity politics and focus on good governance.
APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, said the 2027 election should be about the ability of candidates to deliver results.
“Competence should remain the defining issue in 2027, not whether candidates are Muslims or Christians,” he said.
The Young Progressives Party also maintained that Nigeria’s major challenge has been poor leadership rather than the religious backgrounds of those in power.
YPP spokesman Wale Egbeola-Martins said the country needed leaders with character, competence and accountability.
Meanwhile, the APC defended its decision, saying the choice was based on national interest and political realities.
The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, argued that the fears surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket before the 2023 election had not occurred, adding that the administration had continued to promote religious harmony.
Other political figures, including Action Democratic Party Chairman Yabagi Yusuf and former CUPP spokesman Mark Adebayo, said issues such as insecurity, the economy and governance performance would likely dominate the 2027 campaign rather than religion.
Yusuf said the APC’s decision was largely influenced by electoral calculations and the need to present a ticket capable of attracting wide support.
However, some groups criticised the move, arguing that retaining the same-faith ticket does not reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders described the decision as insensitive, saying political leadership in a multi-religious country must also be seen to be inclusive.
The Middle Belt Forum also faulted the decision, with its President, Dr Pogu Bitrus, saying many Christians could feel excluded by the continuation of the arrangement.
Despite the criticism, some APC stakeholders and political leaders supported Tinubu’s choice, describing Shettima as a loyal partner who had worked effectively with the President since 2023.
APC Abia State Chairman Chijioke Chukwu said there was no reason to replace the Vice President, noting that the Tinubu-Shettima partnership had remained stable.
A faction of Afenifere, however, opposed the decision, arguing that the ticket failed to reflect religious balance and inclusiveness.
With the 2027 election approaching, the Tinubu-Shettima ticket is expected to remain a major topic of political debate as parties and Nigerians continue to weigh the importance of competence, representation and national unity.
