Northern Forum Warns Tinubu Against Repeating Muslim-Muslim Ticket in 2027

The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF) has cautioned President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against fielding another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2027, warning that it could deepen divisions and cost the party critical votes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group’s leader, Dominic Alancha, said Nigeria’s stability and unity depend on balanced religious and ethnic representation.

Despite widespread opposition in 2023, Tinubu, then the APC presidential candidate, paired with former Borno governor Kashim Shettima and won the election. Although speculations suggest Tinubu may consider a different running mate in 2027, the Presidency has said the decision will be revealed “at the right time.”

Concerns over APC strategy

Analysts note that the recent replacement of Abdullahi Ganduje with Netanwe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman has renewed speculation that the party may still retain the Muslim-Muslim formula.

But the NENF warned that such a move could alienate millions of voters across the Middle Belt and Christian-dominated northern areas, including Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, the FCT, and parts of Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, Gombe,

and Bauchi.