President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has generated widespread political debate, with analysts and voters sharply divided over the implications of the move.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) officially confirmed on Friday that Shettima will remain on the party’s presidential ticket as Tinubu seeks a second term in office.
While supporters describe the decision as a strategic move aimed at preserving party unity and strengthening the APC’s electoral prospects, critics argue that maintaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket raises fresh concerns about religious inclusiveness and national cohesion.
Analysts Back APC’s Strategy
Political analyst Aminu Rabiu believes the ruling party retained Shettima because it considers the Muslim-Muslim ticket a proven electoral formula.
According to Rabiu, the decision reflects confidence in the partnership that secured victory in the 2023 presidential election and demonstrates stability within the APC.
He argued that replacing Shettima would have created unnecessary political uncertainty and potentially weakened the party’s support base, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Rabiu maintained that the APC’s calculation is rooted in electoral realities rather than sentiment, insisting that the same-faith ticket still enjoys significant support across many parts of the country.
He also noted that the prolonged speculation over Shettima’s future was fuelled by the silence of Tinubu, Shettima and the APC leadership before the official announcement.
The analyst acknowledged that some Christian members of the APC had advocated for a Muslim-Christian ticket to promote religious balance, while international discussions surrounding claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria also contributed to the public debate.
Despite these concerns, Rabiu believes the APC concluded that retaining Shettima offers greater political benefits than making a change.
He added that although a vice-presidential candidate contributes to electoral success, the presidential candidate remains the dominant factor influencing voting decisions.
Rabiu predicted that while the APC currently enjoys an advantage, the 2027 presidential election is likely to be closely contested.
Removing Shettima Could Have Hurt APC — Ojo
Another political analyst, Kabiru Ojo, described Tinubu’s decision as a politically wise move that prevented the APC from risking its strong support in Northern Nigeria.
According to him, dropping Shettima could have created the perception that Tinubu abandons loyal political allies, a development that might have alienated influential northern leaders and governors.
Ojo argued that replacing the vice president with a northern Christian could have driven many northern Muslim voters toward opposition candidates.
He also linked the earlier speculation surrounding the vice-presidential slot to pressure from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which had advocated for a Muslim-Christian ticket.
The analyst added that Shettima’s political influence in the North-East and his relationship with APC governors in the region remain valuable assets for the ruling party ahead of the election.
Ojo further recalled Shettima’s loyalty during the APC presidential primaries ahead of the 2023 election, saying many party stakeholders considered it important to reward such commitment.
However, he cautioned that public dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration, particularly among northern youths, could still shape the outcome of the 2027 election despite the APC’s decision.
Voter Criticises Muslim-Muslim Ticket
A prospective voter from Jigawa State, Rabiu Muhammad, expressed disappointment over the APC’s decision to retain Shettima, describing it as a missed opportunity to promote national unity and religious inclusion.
According to him, although the party appears committed to continuity, many Nigerians remain uncomfortable with the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Muhammad said the decision has influenced his political choice ahead of the 2027 general election, revealing that he intends to support another presidential candidate.
He stressed that Nigeria’s vice president should embody integrity, competence and the ability to unite citizens across religious and regional divides.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Tinubu’s decision to retain Shettima is expected to remain a major talking point, with both supporters and critics closely watching how the APC’s strategy shapes the country’s political landscape.