See What Northern Muslim Group Is Telling Tinubu About His 2027 Running Mate

A northern Muslim advocacy group is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider picking a Christian from the North as his running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah made the appeal through a statement released on Sunday by its convener, Bala Duguri, who said the call followed extensive consultations with Islamic bodies across the region. According to him, the outcome of those talks showed growing support for Tinubu’s leadership but also a desire for greater religious balance in national politics.

Duguri described Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as “delivering notable progress,” but warned that sustaining public trust would require inclusivity in both religious and regional representation.

“Our group has engaged with Islamic organisations across the North to speak with one voice about the direction of the APC-led government. What we’ve seen is encouraging,” he said.

He added that Northern Christians played a key role in Tinubu’s 2023 victory, and it was only fair for Muslims to now make room for inclusion in return.

“The Christian community made sacrifices during the last election in the interest of national unity. As Muslims, we must now show the same spirit of sacrifice and maturity,” Duguri noted.

The group appealed to Muslim politicians aspiring to be Vice President to step aside and support the nomination of a Christian candidate, insisting this would strengthen the country’s fragile unity.

“This is not about politics or power play. It’s about building a stable Nigeria where everyone sees themselves in leadership,” Duguri explained. “We strongly believe that fielding a Northern Christian as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 will be a unifying move and a smart political strategy.”

He further revealed that the group would engage with key religious and traditional institutions such as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), JIBWIS, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, and traditional rulers to build wider support for the proposal.

Meanwhile, the group’s position appears to clash with that of some APC stakeholders in Borno State, who have publicly thrown their weight behind Vice President Kashim Shettima’s reappointment. In a communique issued after a meeting in Maiduguri last month, the stakeholders urged President Tinubu to retain Shettima for a second term, praising his loyalty and contributions to the administration.

But Duguri’s group insists that choosing a Christian vice president will not only promote peace but also boost Tinubu’s chances of re-election.

“With this adjustment, we believe President Tinubu will enjoy broader support and a likely landslide in 2027,” the statement concluded.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

APC Governors Take United Stand at National Summit—Tinubu’s 2027 Path Clears Further