2027: Christians now more comfortable with Muslim-Muslim ticket – APC chieftain
APC Leader Claims Christians More Comfortable with Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Farouk Aliyu, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that Nigerian Christians have become more accepting of the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket compared to the lead-up to the 2023 general election. He attributed this shift in perception to the governance of President Bola Tinubu, which he argued has dispelled concerns over religious marginalization.
Aliyu made these comments during an appearance on ARISE Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday. His remarks followed President Tinubu’s announcement that Vice President Kashim Shettima would remain his running mate for the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Defending the decision to keep the current ticket, Aliyu emphasized that the APC leadership believed retaining it was essential, given its previous electoral success. “Our leader, the president, decided in his wisdom not to change the winning ticket. And the Christians in this country, I am sure, are now more comfortable than when we introduced the Muslim-Muslim ticket,” he said.
He recalled the significant backlash when the APC first nominated two Muslim candidates in 2023, highlighting fears that Christians would be marginalized in governance. “At that time, there were concerns that Christians were going to be sidelined. However, it is evident now that no one is being marginalized on religious grounds,” Aliyu remarked.
The APC leader noted that since taking office, President Tinubu has governed without showing religious bias. “President Tinubu has been leading this country as a Nigerian, not as someone representing a particular religion,” he stated.
Aliyu expressed satisfaction with the decision to retain Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate, suggesting that a change could have prompted unnecessary political challenges for the party. “Retaining Kashim Shettima ensures stability, allowing us to focus on our goals without distraction,” he said.
He concluded by affirming the party’s confidence in the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, expressing hope that Nigerians would support the duo once again in the 2027 election. “We navigated difficult times and earned the trust of Nigerians, and we believe they will grant us another opportunity with the Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Aliyu said.
