2027: Most Christians we’ve engaged are okay with Muslim-Muslim ticket – Yilwatda
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, stated that many Christians consulted by the party have expressed support for the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as the 2027 general elections approach.
During an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Monday, Yilwatda noted that initial concerns among Christians regarding potential marginalization have not materialized. He emphasized that their interests are well represented within the administration.
“Most Christians that we’ve engaged and we’ve spoken to them, they are very okay with the Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Yilwatda said. He added that fears of suppression among Christians have been largely unfounded and that their voices are “heard loud and clear” in the current leadership.
Yilwatda also addressed worries that Tinubu’s religious affiliation has led to discrimination or persecution of Christians during his three-year term. He maintained that these issues have not arisen.
When questioned about President Tinubu’s health and ability to compete in the 2027 elections, Yilwatda asserted that the President is physically capable of seeking re-election. He defended Tinubu’s absence at some campaign rallies, noting that his constitutional responsibilities limit his availability for party events. Yilwatda mentioned that government officials have been instructed to participate in selected rallies to prevent governance from being affected by campaign activities.
In response to the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yilwatda rejected claims that the APC was involved in the party’s internal disputes, which followed a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the leadership of David Mark. He questioned the ADC’s decision to attribute the dispute to the ruling party when it stems from a legal action initiated by one of its members.
Looking ahead to the elections, Yilwatda expressed confidence that Tinubu would defeat former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a fair contest. He suggested that Abubakar’s performance in the 2023 presidential election was largely a reflection of the political structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rather than his individual popularity. “He did not win because of Atiku; he won because of the structure of the PDP. It was the PDP that brought Atiku, not Atiku winning on his own,” Yilwatda said.
Additionally, he defended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s proposed ₦10 million reward for councils that successfully deliver their wards for Tinubu in 2027, arguing that offering such incentives does not equate to vote buying.
