A coalition of Christian organisations and human rights advocacy groups under the umbrella of the Christian Youth Alliance of Nigeria (CYAN) has petitioned United States President Donald Trump, the U.S. Congress and other international stakeholders over the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
The coalition, which said it represents Christian organisations across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), argued that the continued adoption of a same-faith presidential ticket could deepen religious divisions and undermine the sense of inclusion among Christians.
According to CYAN, the APC’s decision to field President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on a Muslim-Muslim ticket for a second consecutive election raises concerns about equitable representation in Nigeria’s diverse political landscape. The group described the development as a major political concern for Christians and urged international partners to monitor the situation closely.
In its petition, the coalition reportedly appealed to President Trump and members of the U.S. Congress to encourage respect for religious inclusion, democratic values and equal political participation in Nigeria. It also called on the international community to pay closer attention to issues affecting religious minorities in the country.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket first generated widespread debate ahead of the 2023 presidential election, with supporters arguing that competence should take precedence over religious affiliation, while critics maintained that Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity should be reflected in the country’s highest political offices.
The issue has resurfaced following the APC’s confirmation that Vice President Shettima will again serve as President Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election. The decision has elicited mixed reactions from political, religious and socio-cultural organisations across the country.
Several groups, including the Middle Belt Forum and the Northern Christian Elders Forum, have expressed reservations about the continued use of a same-faith ticket, arguing that it does not adequately reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity. Others, including some legal scholars, political commentators and APC supporters, have defended the arrangement, insisting that leadership should be judged primarily on competence, performance and policy outcomes rather than religious identity.
The APC has consistently maintained that its presidential ticket is based on merit and electoral strategy, arguing that Nigerians should assess the administration on its governance record rather than the religious affiliations of its candidates.
With preparations for the 2027 general election gathering momentum, the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket is expected to remain a key issue in Nigeria’s political discourse, alongside broader debates on national unity, inclusion and democratic representation.
