A northern Muslim advocacy group, the Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to choose a Christian from the North as his running mate (VP) in the 2027 presidential election.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the group’s convener, Bala Duguri, who explained that the recommendation followed wide-ranging consultations with Islamic organisations across northern Nigeria.
Duguri noted that their interactions revealed growing support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as delivering notable progress.
However, he stressed that the current political atmosphere calls for greater inclusivity and religious balance.
“Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the northern states with different Islamic organisations in a bid to speak with one voice over the political direction in the APC-led administration. The outcome is very encouraging,” Duguri stated.
He explained that the appeal is rooted in the principles of equity, fairness, and national unity, especially considering the role Christians played in the 2023 elections.
“The sacrifices made by our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the 2023 presidential elections, in the spirit of unity and national progress, need to be acknowledged. It’s time for Muslim political actors to make similar sacrifices,” he said.
The group urged Muslim aspirants eyeing the vice presidential ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to step down and support the nomination of a Christian candidate.
“As a Muslim organisation, we call on all potential Muslim nominees for the vice presidential slot to make the necessary sacrifice by dropping their ambitions for the good of the country.”
Duguri emphasized that their suggestion is not politically motivated, but born out of a sincere desire to promote stability, national cohesion, and continued progress under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“After extensive consultations across religious, ethnic, and political lines in the North, we believe the most appropriate step forward is for a Northern Christian to be selected as the Vice Presidential candidate in 2027.”
He added that the group would intensify its engagement with key religious and traditional institutions—including NSCIA, CAN, JIBWIS, JNI, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, and various traditional rulers—to build broader support for their position.
“This move will not only stabilise our democracy but also improve the electoral chances of President Tinubu, who, with this adjustment, will surely win by a landslide.”
Meanwhile, the group’s position contrasts with that of APC stakeholders in Borno State, who in April publicly backed Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term.
In a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri, the group appealed to President Tinubu to retain Shettima, citing his loyalty and strong contributions to the administration.
“The meeting prayed for Mr. President to retain His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima as his Vice President for his second term,” the communiqué read partly.
