The All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to retain President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election has continued to generate debate across Nigeria, with political leaders and stakeholders expressing differing opinions on the role of religion in leadership.
While some commentators argued that competence and performance should remain the key criteria for choosing leaders, others stressed the need for greater inclusiveness and national unity in the country’s political landscape.
The renewed discussion comes amid growing expectations that Tinubu and Shettima will once again represent the APC in the 2027 presidential election.
Afenifere: Governance More Important Than Religion
The National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, said Nigerians should focus less on the religious identities of political leaders and more on their ability to deliver good governance.
According to him, Afenifere remains committed to justice, democracy, accountability and the welfare of Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation.
He argued that issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, healthcare and education are of greater concern to citizens than the religious composition of any political ticket.
Omololu noted that Nigeria’s political history has shown that competence, integrity and vision—not religion—have produced some of the country’s most respected leaders.
Bakita Bello Calls for Competence
Former Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bakita Bello, maintained that leadership should be judged by competence, compassion and capacity rather than religious identity.
He questioned whether previous administrations, regardless of whether they featured Muslim-Christian or Muslim-Muslim tickets, had succeeded in addressing insecurity, corruption, poverty and economic challenges.
According to Bello, Nigerians should assess political parties based on their impact on citizens’ lives rather than the faith of their candidates.
Arabambi Defends APC’s Position
Labour Party National Vice Chairman (South-West), Abayomi Arabambi, dismissed criticisms of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, insisting that competence should override religious considerations.
He argued that political realities in Northern Nigeria influenced the party’s decision and said the debate over religion had become less relevant than evaluating the government’s performance.
Arabambi also maintained that insecurity affects Nigerians irrespective of religion and urged voters to judge the Tinubu administration by its achievements, including economic reforms and improvements in fuel supply.
Yoruba Groups Advocate Inclusiveness
Coordinator of the Yoruba Progressive Forum, Lateef Olalekan, described the Muslim-Muslim ticket as a political strategy aimed at continuity, although he acknowledged concerns among some Christian communities.
Similarly, the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oladotun Hassan, said political parties have the constitutional right to choose their candidates but urged leaders to promote inclusive politics, fairness and national unity.
He advised politicians to focus on competence and policies capable of improving the lives of Nigerians instead of deepening religious or ethnic divisions.
Ebiseni Backs Continuity
Afenifere Secretary-General, Chief Olusola Ebiseni, said President Tinubu has not governed the country along religious lines.
He argued that retaining Vice President Shettima could help preserve political stability and avoid unnecessary disruptions ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Ebiseni, religion has traditionally not been a major source of division in Yorubaland, where different faiths have coexisted peacefully for generations.
Ogunsuyi: Internal APC Politics Driving Debate
Former Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Lanre Ogunsuyi, suggested that much of the renewed controversy is being fuelled by internal APC interests rather than genuine concerns over religious balance.
He argued that many politicians opposing the current arrangement are motivated by ambitions to secure the vice-presidential position.
Ogunsuyi added that insecurity, inflation, unemployment and economic recovery should dominate political discussions ahead of the 2027 election rather than the religious identity of candidates.
Adebayo: Nigerians Need Justice, Not Religious Sentiment
Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said history has shown that Nigerians can support candidates based on competence instead of religion, citing the 1993 Abiola-Kingibe Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Adebayo argued that insecurity, poverty and economic hardship affect citizens regardless of faith and urged Nigerians to prioritise justice, honesty, accountability and effective leadership when making electoral choices.
He maintained that religion should never overshadow the qualities required for good governance, insisting that what Nigerians need most is leadership committed to fairness and national development.
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