2027: Northern Muslim Group Backs Christian VP Pick for Tinubu’s Second Term

As political momentum builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, a prominent northern Muslim advocacy group has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider selecting a northern Christian as his running mate.

The group, known as Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, made this call in a statement issued on Sunday by its convener, Bala Duguri. According to the group, the recommendation follows extensive consultations with Islamic organizations across northern Nigeria.

Duguri stated that the group remains fully aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as delivering tangible progress for the nation. However, he emphasized that the path to sustained unity and democratic consolidation requires balancing religious representation on the presidential ticket.

“We conducted broad consultations across the North with various Islamic leaders and stakeholders,” Duguri said. “A strong consensus emerged that for fairness, equity, and national harmony, a northern Christian should be considered for the vice presidential slot in 2027.”

While acknowledging the success of the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 elections, Duguri credited part of that victory to the support of the Christian community and stressed that now is the time for Muslim leaders to demonstrate the same spirit of sacrifice.

“We must reciprocate the goodwill shown by our Christian compatriots. A united Nigeria demands inclusive representation,” he added.

The group called on Muslim aspirants eyeing the vice presidency to step aside in the interest of national unity and urged the APC leadership—alongside President Tinubu, the National Executive Council, the Progressive Governors Forum, and other key stakeholders—to take their appeal seriously.

Duguri clarified that their position was not based solely on political strategy but was driven by a genuine desire for long-term national stability and cohesion.

“Our consultations included engagements across religious, ethnic, and political lines. The conclusion is clear: choosing a northern Christian as vice president is the most unifying step forward,” he said.

The group pledged to continue engaging key religious and traditional bodies, including NSCIA, JIBWIS, CAN, the Catholic Bishops Conference, JNI, and the Northern Traditional Institution, to build support for their position.

“This move will not only strengthen national unity but significantly boost President Tinubu’s re-election prospects,” the group concluded.

However, this stance contrasts with that of the Borno State chapter of the APC. In April, party stakeholders in the state released a communiqué urging President Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 race, praising his contributions and loyalty.

Source News
Punch

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