APC’s decision to keep Vice President Kashim Shettima for 2027 draws mixed reactions as parties and civic groups split over competence and religious balance

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election has reignited national debate over the Tinubu retains Shettima decision, with political parties, civic organisations and opinion leaders sharply divided over whether competence or religious balance should shape Nigeria’s highest office.

Also read: APC confirms Shettima as Tinubu’s 2027 running mate

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) confirmed on Friday that Tinubu would seek a second term alongside Shettima, ending months of speculation that the President might replace the Vice President with a Northern Christian in response to concerns about Nigeria’s religious diversity.

The announcement revives one of the most contentious issues ahead of the 2023 general election, when Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, selected Shettima, a Muslim from the North-East, as his running mate.

Critics argued at the time that the same-faith ticket departed from Nigeria’s long-standing practice of balancing presidential tickets across the country’s two major religions.

Despite those concerns, Tinubu and Shettima secured victory in the 2023 presidential election, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

The APC’s latest decision has again divided political stakeholders.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) argued that leadership ability should outweigh religious identity. Its National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, said, “Competence should remain the defining issue in 2027, not whether candidates are Muslims or Christians.”

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) expressed a similar view. Party spokesman Wale Egbeola-Martins said Nigeria’s greatest challenge since the return to democracy had been poor governance rather than the religious affiliation of political leaders.

“The real challenge confronting our nation since the return to democratic rule has not been the ethnic or religious identity of those in power, but the persistent deficit of purposeful and accountable leadership,” he said.

Defending the decision, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim said the ruling party carefully weighed national interests before settling on the existing ticket.

“The decision was reached after a careful assessment of the situation. The party is conscious of religious sensitivities but is also mindful of the broader interests of Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.

He added that fears expressed before the 2023 election had not translated into widespread religious conflict, arguing that the Tinubu administration had promoted interfaith harmony since taking office.

Several political observers also suggested that governance issues are likely to overshadow religious considerations in the next election.

Action Democratic Party National Chairman Yabagi Yusuf described the decision as a political calculation based on electoral realities.

“It’s politics. They must have done their calculations and concluded that this is their best chance of winning. In the end, elections are about where the votes are,” Yusuf said.

Former Coalition of United Political Parties spokesman Mark Adebayo similarly argued that security, economic performance and governance would dominate the 2027 campaign.

“I do not think the Muslim-Muslim ticket will generate the same level of traction in 2027 as it did in 2023. The next election will be driven more by security, the economy and the government’s performance,” Adebayo said.

The Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide also urged Nigerians to focus on leadership qualities rather than religious identity.

Its President, Jonathan Lokpobiri, said, “What we need is a competent, focused and compassionate leader who can take difficult decisions and improve the lives of Nigerians. Religion should not be the yardstick for leadership.”

However, several organisations criticised the APC’s decision.

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders described the retention of the Muslim-Muslim ticket as insensitive to Nigeria’s religious diversity.

Its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, said, “In a nation as religiously and culturally diverse as ours, leadership must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair.”

The Middle Belt Forum also expressed concern. National President Dr Pogu Bitrus argued that retaining the same-faith ticket risked deepening feelings of exclusion among Christian communities.

“To retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket after 2023 sends the wrong signal in a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria,” Bitrus said.

A faction of Afenifere, led by Oba Olaitan Oladapo, also faulted the decision. National Publicity Secretary Justice Faloye said another same-faith ticket failed to reflect fairness, inclusiveness and respect for Nigeria’s religious diversity.

Others defended the President’s choice on political and constitutional grounds.

APC Chairman in Abia State Chijioke Chukwu said there was no reason to replace a Vice President who had worked harmoniously with the President.

“It’s unreasonable to drop him. They have collaborated well without any problems between the Vice President and the President. There is no reason for a new VP,” Chukwu said.

Ohanaeze chieftain Justice Rowland Ajuzieogu argued that the Constitution gives the President the prerogative to choose a running mate, while industrialist Sam Ohuabunwa said the ticket had already proved electorally successful in 2023.

The renewed discussion reflects broader questions about Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

While the 2023 election demonstrated that a same-faith ticket could secure electoral victory, it also exposed enduring concerns over inclusion, federal character and national cohesion.

Also read: Shettima hails Lagos as Africa’s economic powerhouse

With campaigns for the 2027 general election gathering momentum, analysts expect debates over economic management, security and governance to compete with long-standing discussions about representation and identity.