A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has criticised the reported decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, warning that the party risks losing Christian support if it repeats the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
In a statement issued in Minna on Saturday, the former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism described the reported move as “a direct insult” to Christians, arguing that the circumstances that justified the same-faith ticket in the 2023 election no longer exist.
Vatsa said the decision was politically insensitive and warned that those behind it were not acting in the best interest of President Tinubu or the APC.
He maintained that with growing concerns over the safety and security of Christians in the country, many Nigerians would expect the ruling party to present a more inclusive ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, the APC would find it difficult to convince Christians to support another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, especially if opposition parties nominate Christian candidates.
Vatsa also reiterated his call for greater religious balance in political appointments, noting that Christians would feel more represented with a Christian vice-presidential candidate.
He, however, clarified that his comments were not directed against Vice President Kashim Shettima or the Muslim community but were based on the principles of equity, justice and fairness in Nigeria’s political system.
The APC chieftain warned that retaining a same-faith presidential ticket in 2027 could have serious political consequences for the ruling party’s electoral prospects.
