President Bola Tinubu is facing growing pressure to ensure religious balance on his 2027 re-election ticket, with influential voices urging a Muslim-Christian pairing.
According to sources, elements in the United States have signaled preference for such a ticket as Tinubu seeks to retain power beyond 2027.
This has triggered discussions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) about possible replacements for Vice President Kassim Shettima.
Kukah, Dogara, Musa Tipped
Among those being mentioned as potential running mates is Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Also on the list are former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and Defence Minister Lt. Gen Christopher Musa. Kukah and Musa hail from Kaduna State, while Dogara is from Bauchi.
Sources suggest that dropping Shettima has been considered since mid-term, though most APC governors still back his retention.
Some close to Tinubu had initially suggested replacing him with another Muslim, such as former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari or National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
However, the push from US interests for a Muslim-Christian ticket appears to have disrupted those plans.
Options for Shettima
Tinubu’s team is reportedly weighing incentives for Shettima if he is dropped. Options include appointing him Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations or backing him for a presidential run in 2031.
Yet, this plan faces a snag. US voices have suggested that after Tinubu, power should rotate to the South East as part of a broader effort at national healing and inclusion.
While Kukah’s name tops the list, insiders question whether the Catholic Bishop would accept a political role or if the Vatican would permit it. Still, some say he may be approached if Tinubu bows to pressure for a balanced ticket.
Kukah could potentially and effectively blunt the candidacy of opposition Peter Obi, who is equally a devout catholic from the south.
With pressure mounting both at home and abroad, Tinubu’s 2027 ticket may become a test of political balancing.
Will he stick with Shettima – the Muslim-Muslim ticket that won in 2023, or bow to calls for a Muslim-Christian pairing that could redraw the electoral map in 2027? What do you think? Express your views in the comments section.
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