'There Are More Muslims In The North' – APC Leader Backs Muslim-Muslim Ticket

‘There Are More Muslims In The North’ – APC Leader Backs Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Says ticket decisions will depend on numbers and party strategy
APC cautions members against speculation on vice presidency

As political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election begin to gather momentum, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Farouq Aliyu, has said demographic realities, particularly in northern Nigeria, favour the retention of a Muslim Muslim presidential ticket by the ruling party.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Aliyu made the assertion on Friday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, arguing that electoral decisions are often shaped by numerical strength and political strategy rather than sentiment.

The APC stalwart stressed that decisions on presidential ticket composition rest solely with the party and its candidate, adding that individual opinions must align with the broader interests of the party.

“Well, I stand with my party actually, because these decisions are for the parties and the candidates,” Aliyu said.

“So 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 the Christians, so be it.”

Aliyu revealed that the APC leadership has warned members, especially those who regularly engage with the media, against speculating on the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima or the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to him, such speculation is premature and could undermine internal cohesion within the party.

“You remember, our party also has warned, has also spoken to us people that have interface with the media not to speculate, at least on the Vice President Shettima,” he said.

He noted that whether the party eventually adopts a Muslim Muslim, Muslim Christian or Christian Christian ticket would be determined strictly by political calculations at the appropriate time.

“But whether the Muslim or non Muslim, it’s important. Time will tell,” Aliyu said.

“It’s a political decision which either party can take. If a party decides to go Muslim Muslim or Christian Christian, it is absolutely a political decision which will be made when things are up.”

Aliyu argued that electoral strength, particularly in the northern region, would significantly influence the APC’s final decision.

“In my opinion, the numbers will be looked at whether to fill in a Muslim or a Christian,” he said.

“The numbers are there to show whether in the northern part of the country there are more Muslims.”

He added that while parties could field Christian candidates from the North, the numerical advantage of Muslim voters remained a major political consideration.

“It is absolutely without doubt there are more Muslims in the northern part of the country,” Aliyu said.

APC Leader Backs Muslim-Muslim Ticket

“So any party can decide to either pick a Christian. But if it goes in terms of numbers, certainly there are more Muslims in the North, which means it will be best for the party to take a Muslim.”