2027: Coalition Warns Political Parties Against Muslim-Muslim Presidential Ticket

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has issued a strong warning to political parties against presenting a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, citing concerns over perceived religious marginalization.

In a statement released on Monday, CONYL President General, Goodluck Ibem, expressed deep concern over what the group described as the “continued marginalization” of Christian communities in the aftermath of the 2023 elections, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) field a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The APC had sparked controversy in 2022 when its then-presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, selected another Muslim, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate. Despite widespread criticism and fears of Christian underrepresentation, the party won the election.

Ibem alleged that the current administration under President Tinubu has reinforced concerns of exclusion among Christians.

“The current religious imbalance in the executive leadership has raised genuine concerns among many Nigerians and contributed to a sense of marginalization among certain segments of the population,” the statement read.

CONYL called on political stakeholders, parties, and power brokers to prioritize religious balance in their ticket selection ahead of the 2027 polls.

“As we move towards the 2027 general elections, CONYL strongly calls on all political parties, stakeholders, and power brokers to prioritize a balanced Muslim/Christian (or Christian/Muslim) presidential ticket. This is not just a political strategy—it is a moral imperative rooted in the need to restore national unity, peace, and religious equity,” Ibem said.

The group emphasized that a religiously inclusive ticket would promote unity, interfaith harmony, and national stability.

“A presidential ticket that combines both major religious faiths will address equity and fairness. Equal representation reflects the true spirit of democracy and acknowledges the diversity that defines Nigeria,” the coalition added.

The youth coalition concluded by calling for leadership that fosters unity, stating: “Nigerian youth are tired of politics that divide. We seek leadership that unites.”