Nigeria’s APC presidential leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (R), and Vice President Kashim Shettima speak at Abuja meeting. Kola Sulaimon / AFP
Muslim-Muslim Ticket Could Risk APC Support Across Northern Nigeria
Led by Dr. Dominic Alancha, NENF represents a coalition of 127 Northern ethnic nationalities. In a statement issued in Abuja, the group noted that the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 elections triggered religious tensions and fears of political marginalization among Northern Christians.
The forum highlighted that states such as Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, the FCT, and parts of Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, Gombe, and Bauchi are predominantly Christian voting regions.
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According to NENF, repeating a Muslim-Muslim ticket could result in significant losses for the APC in these battlegrounds. Experts have noted that inclusive governance frameworks are critical to maintaining stability in Nigeria’s diverse polity.
Northern Christian VP Could Broaden Electoral Appeal
NENF acknowledged the competence of Vice President Kashim Shettima but stated that his selection alone would not address concerns of Northern Christian communities.
The forum recommended that a Northern Christian Vice President from states like Plateau, Bauchi, or Taraba would enhance inclusivity without compromising merit.
Such a ticket, they argued, would counter potential alliances between opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who could form a Christian-Muslim opposition coalition. A strategically balanced ticket could help retain the APC’s support in critical regions.
Religious Representation Remains Crucial in 2027 Nigerian Elections
Political analysts have long observed that religious representation on Nigeria’s executive ticket significantly influences electoral outcomes. The NENF’s statement emphasizes that a Muslim-Muslim ticket may exacerbate sectarian divides, particularly in Middle Belt states where ethnic and religious identities intersect.
External observers have highlighted that maintaining political stability requires careful attention to inclusivity and representation.
NENF Advocacy Targets National Cohesion and Justice
Dr. Alancha stressed that NENF’s position is grounded in principles of fairness and national unity rather than political partisanship.
The organization highlighted systemic challenges such as insecurity, economic disparities, and social unrest, advocating for credible and representative candidates to address these issues effectively.
The forum reiterated that the APC could enhance voter confidence and legitimacy by selecting a Northern Christian running mate, thereby addressing exclusion concerns and mitigating the risk of electoral losses in religiously sensitive regions.
NENF warned that ignoring calls for religiously inclusive tickets could strengthen opposition coalitions. Analysts noted that a unified Christian-Muslim opposition, potentially led by Obi and Atiku, could attract significant votes from regions where the APC is traditionally strong but where dissatisfaction exists over religious homogeneity.
The forum pledged active engagement to support President Tinubu’s victory if a Northern Christian Vice President is selected, demonstrating the influence of organized ethnic and religious advocacy on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Past Elections Demonstrate Risks of Religious Homogeneity
Historical patterns in Nigeria indicate that religiously homogeneous tickets often generate backlash, especially in ethnically diverse states.
The 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket, for instance, sparked debates over political inclusion and raised concerns among Northern Christian voters about potential marginalization.
Northern Christian VP Recommendation Gains Traction
NENF’s proposal for a Northern Christian Vice President has gained attention among political analysts. Selecting a candidate from Plateau, Bauchi, or Taraba could mitigate voter alienation, strengthen the APC’s electoral strategy, and reinforce the party’s commitment to national cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
The forum concluded that inclusive leadership choices would ensure broader representation, electoral competitiveness, and the promotion of national unity, aligning with Nigeria’s democratic objectives.
