Northern Muslim Group Dumps Shettima, Endorses Northern Christian as Running Mate for Tinubu in 2027

Northern Muslim Group Dumps Shettima, Endorses Northern Christian as Running Mate for Tinubu in 2027

In a bold political shift that could reshape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential election, a prominent northern Muslim advocacy group, Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, has openly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his choice of running mate by selecting a Northern Christian, instead of continuing with Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The group’s position was made public during a press briefing in Abuja, where its convener, Alhaji Bala Duguri, explained that the call follows wide-ranging consultations with various Islamic organizations and influential stakeholders across the Northern Region.

Call for Religious Balance and National Unity:

Alhaji Duguri emphasized that the principles of fairness, equity, and justice should guide the selection of the next Vice-Presidential Candidate. According to him, Nigeria’s Religious diversity demands intentional inclusivity, especially in a post-2023 political era where the Muslim-Muslim ticket- though initially controversial- was widely accepted, including by a significant portion of the Christian electorate.

“The 2023 election was a test of tolerance, and Christians across Nigeria- especially from the North- demonstrated goodwill by supporting the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. It is now time to reciprocate that gesture. The 2027 ticket must reflect the religious balance that Nigeria deserves,” Duguri stated.

Strategic Political Shift:

The group stressed that fielding a northern Christian running mate would not only promote inclusiveness but also boost President Tinubu’s acceptance and electoral chances in Regions where opposition strength is expected to be formidable in 2027.

Duguri called on all Northern Muslim aspirants within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who may be eyeing the vice-presidential slot to step down in the interest of national unity.

“Muslim aspirants must set aside personal ambition for the greater good. Supporting a competent northern Christian is not a compromise of Islamic values but a strategic step towards democratic stability and unity,” he asserted.

Contrasting Voices from Borno State:

However, this recommendation has met resistance from some quarters. In a contrasting development, stakeholders of the APC in Borno State- Vice President Shettima’s home base- have thrown their weight behind his continued stay on the ticket.

Following a strategic meeting at the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri, the stakeholders issued a communiqué urging President Tinubu to retain Shettima as his running mate in 2027. They cited his loyalty, administrative competence, and deep political experience as critical assets to the Tinubu administration and the future of the APC.

The communiqué reads in part:

“Vice President Kashim Shettima has brought stability, wisdom, and loyalty to the administration. We, the stakeholders of Borno APC, reaffirm our total support for his continued role in national leadership alongside President Tinubu.”

Political Implications:

The divergence in opinion between a significant northern Muslim advocacy group and Regional political stakeholders reflects an evolving conversation within the APC and Nigeria’s broader political landscape. It underscores the growing pressure on political actors to prioritize inclusion, especially in a country where ethno-religious sentiments remain sensitive and influential.

Whether President Tinubu will heed the advice of the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah or stick with Vice President Shettima remains to be seen. However, this new development suggests that the 2027 presidential race could witness realignments, negotiations, and perhaps a reshaping of political alliances in response to national demands for balance and representation.