Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has cautioned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could weaken its electoral prospects in the 2027 presidential election if it removes a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket.
Musawa made the statement during an appearance on Mic On Show with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid speculation that the ruling party might reconsider the Muslim–Muslim ticket that powered its victory in the 2023 election.
According to her, replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima or substituting him with a non-Northern Muslim would create serious political risks for the party, particularly in the core northern states.
“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of the way people think,” she said.
Musawa argued that political dynamics in Northern Nigeria are complex and deeply entrenched, warning that strategic miscalculations could backfire on the APC.
“The core North, states like Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto, understands politics at a very deep level. Politics there is a way of life. People wait every four years to line up and vote because that is where they feel they have influence,” she said.
She dismissed suggestions that the party could easily alter its presidential ticket without consequences, describing such views as politically misguided.
“I think if we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem. People who suggest otherwise may not fully understand how politics works in the North,” she added.
Musawa also played down the threat posed by emerging opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, describing them as divided and lacking cohesion.
“You have an opposition that is overcrowded. Every single member is vying for the same spot, and that alone creates a recipe for political failure,” she said.
While noting that opposition figures remain influential, she maintained that the APC is well-positioned to retain power.
“We are not taking anybody lightly. But as the opposition is emerging now, I do not see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” she said.
Musawa concluded that although a vibrant opposition is essential for democracy, the ruling party remains confident in its political trajectory.
“It is good for democracy to have opposition. Nobody wants a one-party state. But we are confident in our political direction,” she said.
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