2027: Dropping Northern Muslim from Presidential Ticket Could Hurt APC — Musawa

The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could weaken its chances in the 2027 general election if it drops a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket.

Musawa made the remarks during a recent episode of Mic On Show with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid growing speculation that the ruling party may reconsider the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted in the 2023 presidential election.

According to the minister, removing Vice President Kashim Shettima or replacing him with a non-Northern Muslim running mate would pose a significant political challenge for the APC, especially in the core northern states.

“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of the way people think,” Musawa said.

She stressed that politics in Northern Nigeria is deeply rooted and highly sophisticated, warning that decisions taken without a proper understanding of the region’s political dynamics could backfire. Musawa noted that states such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto take electoral participation seriously, describing politics in the region as a way of life.

The minister dismissed suggestions that the APC could easily reshuffle its presidential ticket without consequences, describing such views as politically naive. She said altering the current political construct could create serious problems for the party’s electoral prospects.

“I think if we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem. People who suggest otherwise may not fully understand how politics works in the North,” she added.

Commenting on the opposition ahead of 2027, Musawa said she does not believe the current alignment of opposition forces can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. She described the opposition as fragmented, with several key figures competing for the same leadership position.

While acknowledging the importance of a strong opposition for democratic growth, Musawa said the APC remains confident and focused on consolidating its political base ahead of the next election.