Ahead of the 2027 general election, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouq Aliyu, has argued that retaining a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket is in the best political interest of the party.
Aliyu said demographic realities, particularly in northern Nigeria, make a Muslim-Muslim ticket more advantageous for the APC, noting that population distribution and voter numbers play a major role in electoral calculations.
He made the remarks on Friday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, stressing that decisions on party tickets are guided by political strategy and party interest rather than personal preferences.
Aliyu said he would support whatever decision the party and its leadership make, adding that the APC has already cautioned members who engage with the media against speculating about the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima or the party’s ticket arrangement.
According to him, the choice of a Muslim-Muslim, Muslim-Christian, or Christian-Christian ticket lies entirely within the discretion of the party and its candidate.
He explained that while the party could choose any religious combination, electoral numbers remain a critical factor in decision-making, especially in the northern part of the country.
Aliyu maintained that there are significantly more Muslims in northern Nigeria, making a Muslim candidate from the region more politically advantageous for any party seeking electoral success.
He added that whatever option the APC eventually adopts would be a strategic political decision taken at the appropriate time, based on what best serves the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
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