Muslim-Muslim ticket: Don’t drop Shettima, minister charges Tinubu

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

Musawa made the statement on Mic On Show with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid speculation that the ruling party may review the Muslim–Muslim ticket it adopted in the 2023 presidential election.

According to her, replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima or fielding a running mate who is not a Northern Muslim would pose serious political risks for the APC, particularly in key 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,” she said.

Musawa noted that politics in Northern Nigeria is deeply ingrained and complex, stressing that decisions taken without a clear understanding of the region’s political dynamics could backfire.

“The core North — states like Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto — understands politics at a very deep level. Politics there is a way of life, and elections are taken very seriously,” she said.

She dismissed suggestions that the APC could easily alter its presidential ticket without consequences, describing such views as politically naive.

“If we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it becomes a problem. Those who think otherwise may not fully understand northern politics,” Musawa said.

Commenting on opposition efforts ahead of 2027, the minister said she does not believe the current alignment of opposition parties can defeat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.

She described the opposition as fragmented, with multiple figures competing for leadership.

“The opposition is overcrowded. Everyone is aiming for the same position, and that alone is a recipe for political failure,” she said.

While noting that the APC is not underestimating its rivals, Musawa said the ruling party remains confident of retaining power in 2027.

“It is good for democracy to have opposition. Nobody wants a one-party state. But we are confident in our political direction,” she added.