2027: Muslim-Muslim Ticket Will Remain An Issue For Tinubu, Says Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice to retain a same-faith ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning that the controversial arrangement will continue to hurt the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kwankwaso—now running as the vice-presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)—expressed surprise at the President’s decision, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity demands religious balance in top leadership.

🌩️ “He Still Has Time To Change It” — Kwankwaso

The former Kano State governor urged President Tinubu to reconsider the arrangement before political parties lock in their final nominations.

“I am even surprised that the President again is presenting the same type of ticket, and I know him; he is always somebody who likes to balance things. If you look at Lagos, he has always balanced it; even in his home, the ticket is balanced. I don’t know why the ticket in Nigeria is not balanced. But he still has time from now till the time of substitution to have a balanced ticket.”

When asked specifically whether the Muslim-Muslim pairing would remain a major talking point for voters in 2027, Kwankwaso replied bluntly: “It has to be.”

🤝 The Push for Religious Inclusivity

Kwankwaso noted that while a same-faith ticket is not technically illegal, it strains national cohesion in a country split predominantly between Christianity and Islam.

• A Call for Belonging: He argued that a balanced ticket gives every region and religious group a sense of inclusion.
• Precedent: Kwankwaso highlighted his own 2023 pairing with an archbishop and referenced the historic 1993 Abiola-Kingibe SDP ticket, noting that today’s political dynamics require careful sensitivity to unity.
• The NDC Coalition: Defending his platform alongside presidential candidate Peter Obi under the NDC, Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Nigerians—especially young voters—are seeking leaders focused on security, economic relief, and true national unity.

⚡ What Lies Ahead for APC?

The controversy surrounding the APC’s same-faith pairing in 2023 was one of the defining issues of the election. While President Tinubu secured victory alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, opposition leaders are signaling that the issue is far from forgotten as the country approaches the 2027 campaign cycle.