As political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election begin to intensify, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouq Aliyu, has argued that demographic realities—particularly in northern Nigeria—favour the retention of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket by the ruling party.
Aliyu made the remarks on Friday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, stressing that electoral decisions are shaped more by numbers and strategy than by emotions or sentiments.
According to him, decisions on the composition of a presidential ticket are the exclusive preserve of the party and its candidate, adding that individual opinions must give way to the party’s collective interest.
“Well, I stand with my party actually, because these decisions are for the parties and the candidates,” Aliyu said.
“So if, in the wisdom of our party and our president, it is to go with another Muslim, so be it. And if he decides to go with Christians, so be it.”
Aliyu also revealed that the APC leadership has cautioned party members—particularly those who frequently engage with the media—against speculating about the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima or the party’s ticket ahead of 2027.
He explained that such discussions are premature and risk undermining internal unity within the party.
“You remember, our party has warned people who interface with the media not to speculate, at least on the Vice President Shettima,” he said.
The APC stalwart noted that whether the party eventually adopts a Muslim-Muslim, Muslim-Christian, or Christian-Christian ticket would be determined strictly by political calculations at the appropriate time.
“It’s a political decision which any party can take. Time will tell,” he said.
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Aliyu further argued that electoral strength, especially in northern Nigeria, would play a decisive role in shaping the party’s final choice.
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“In my opinion, the numbers will be looked at—whether to fill in a Muslim or a Christian,” he said.
“The numbers are there to show that in the northern part of the country, there are more Muslims.”
While acknowledging that a party could choose a Christian candidate from the North, Aliyu maintained that the numerical dominance of Muslim voters remains a critical factor.
“There is absolutely no doubt that there are more Muslims in the North,” he added.
“So any party can decide to pick a Christian, but if it goes by numbers, it will be best for the party to take a Muslim.”
