Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a senior All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, Farouq Aliyu, has suggested that the party might benefit from maintaining a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, citing demographic trends in northern Nigeria.
Aliyu made the remarks on Friday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, noting that party decisions on the presidential ticket, including whether to field a Muslim-Muslim, Muslim-Christian, or Christian-Christian combination, remain at the discretion of the party leadership and its candidate.
Party Interests and Political Calculations
Speaking on media engagement, Aliyu emphasized his support for any decision the APC leadership takes, stressing that such choices are guided by political calculations and party interests. He noted that the APC has instructed members to avoid speculating about Vice President Kashim Shettima or the configuration of the party’s ticket ahead of official announcements.
“Well, I stand with my party,” Aliyu said. “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 a Christian, so be it. It’s a political decision for the party and the candidate. Time will tell.”
Northern Demographics and Political Strategy
Aliyu highlighted that demographic considerations in northern Nigeria favour a Muslim-Muslim ticket, noting that the numbers show a higher concentration of Muslims in the region, which could influence electoral calculations. “It is absolutely without doubt there are more Muslims in the northern part of the country. So, in terms of numbers, it may be best for the party to select a Muslim,” he added.
He also reiterated that any personal preference is secondary to the party’s decision-making process, stressing that political strategy and numerical advantage will guide the final choice.
The remarks come amid ongoing speculation about APC’s ticket configuration as the party positions itself for the 2027 elections.
