Pressure Mounts on Tinubu Over 2027 Ticket as US Pushes Muslim-Christian Balance

Pressure Mounts on Tinubu Over 2027 Ticket as US Pushes Muslim-Christian Balance

Pressure is reportedly mounting on President Bola Tinubu to adopt a religiously balanced presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, amid claims that political forces in the United States favour a Muslim-Christian combination for Nigeria’s next poll.

Competent political sources told Daily Sun that concerns from influential US political circles about religious inclusion in Nigeria have triggered renewed debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over President Tinubu’s likely running mate if he seeks re-election.

The development has reportedly reopened discussions around the possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose continued presence on the ticket has been under quiet scrutiny since the midterm of the current administration.

Sources disclosed that while APC governors are largely in support of retaining Shettima for 2027, some individuals close to the President had earlier canvassed the idea of dropping him for another Muslim running mate, including former Zamfara State governor Abdulaziz Yari or National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

However, the alleged insistence from US political elements on a Muslim-Christian ticket appears to have altered calculations within the Tinubu camp.

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Among names now being touted for the vice presidential slot is Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, alongside former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara and Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.). Kukah and Musa are from Kaduna State, while Dogara hails from Bauchi State.

Sources said Bishop Kukah tops the list among advocates of religious balancing, although concerns persist over whether the Catholic cleric would accept a political role or receive approval from the Vatican.

With Shettima’s possible exit being contemplated, insiders revealed that discussions are ongoing about potential post-2027 incentives for the Vice President, including appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations or backing for a 2031 presidential bid.

That option, however, is said to face resistance from US political interests, which reportedly favour a rotation of power to the South East in 2031 as part of efforts at national inclusion and healing.

The reported US interest in Nigeria’s internal political configuration is linked to heightened concerns over Christian persecution, following Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

President Donald Trump recently raised alarm over the killings of Christians in Nigeria, accusing radical Islamist insurgents of mass violence and warning that the United States could take decisive action if the situation persists.

Trump later authorised airstrikes on Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) camps in Sokoto on Christmas Day, reinforcing US resolve to respond to religious violence in Nigeria.

Political analysts say the unfolding pressure reflects growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious balance, security challenges and electoral politics ahead of the 2027 polls.

Pressure Mounts on Tinubu Over 2027 Ticket as US Pushes Muslim-Christian Balance