As the 2027 presidential election draws closer, a northern Muslim advocacy group has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to select a northern Christian as his running mate to promote unity, equity, and national cohesion.
The call was made by the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah in a statement released on Sunday by its convener, Bala Duguri. The group, after wide consultations across northern states with various Islamic organizations, believes it is time for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to reflect religious diversity in its ticket.
Duguri expressed support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a step in the right direction. He emphasized that the group’s recommendation is rooted in fairness and political equity, acknowledging that the success of the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket was partly due to Christian support.
“The sacrifices made by our Christian brothers and sisters in 2023 should not go unnoticed. It’s time Muslim political actors make a similar sacrifice for the sake of national unity,” Duguri stated.
The group urged Muslim aspirants eyeing the vice presidential position in 2027 to step aside in favor of a northern Christian, emphasizing that this move would not only ensure religious balance but also enhance President Tinubu’s electoral chances.
“Our consultations across religious, ethnic, and political lines in the North show overwhelming support for this direction. A northern Christian running mate will deepen trust and foster inclusivity,” the statement read.
In a call to action, Duguri appealed to President Tinubu, the APC National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, and other stakeholders— including religious and traditional institutions— to support this proposal in the spirit of equity and justice.
Meanwhile, this proposal contrasts sharply with a recent call by Borno APC stakeholders, who have urged Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term. The Borno group, in a communiqué issued in April, expressed unwavering support for Shettima’s continued role in the presidency.
The contrasting positions highlight the growing internal debate within the APC as it begins early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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