Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, has declared that President Bola Tinubu's choice to maintain a Muslim-Muslim ticket will remain a critical factor in the upcoming general election. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, Kwankwaso was unequivocal when asked whether the same-faith pairing would still matter to voters. 'It has to be,' he asserted.
Kwankwaso Expresses Surprise Over Tinubu's Ticket
The former Kano State governor expressed bewilderment at Tinubu's stance, especially given the President's history of seeking equilibrium in other domains. 'I am even surprised that the President again is presenting the same type of ticket, and I know him; he is always somebody who likes to balance things,' Kwankwaso remarked. 'If you look at Lagos, he has always balanced it; even in his home, the ticket is balanced. I don't know why the ticket in Nigeria is not balanced. But he still has time from now till the time of substitution to have a balanced ticket.'
Background of Tinubu's Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Tinubu, a Muslim, faced intense backlash ahead of the 2023 presidential election when he selected former Borno State governor Kashim Shettima, also a Muslim, as his running mate on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. Critics argued that the pairing disregarded Nigeria's religious sensitivities, as the nation's population is nearly evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. Despite the controversy, Tinubu emerged victorious and has confirmed that Shettima will remain his vice-presidential candidate for 2027.
Kwankwaso Defends Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance
Kwankwaso, who ran for president in 2023 under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is now partnering with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi under the NDC banner. He explained that his decision to join forces with Obi stemmed from a growing admiration for Obi's character and vision, developed over time. He noted that the two reached an agreement with minimal friction due to their aligned governance philosophies.
What the Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket Offers Nigerians
When asked why Nigerians should support the pairing in 2027, Kwankwaso highlighted insecurity, economic hardship, poor infrastructure, and a struggling education sector as key areas the duo is prepared to address. He emphasized that no nation can achieve meaningful development without substantial investment in education. Additionally, he dismissed claims that Obi lacks support in the north, arguing that the NDC presidential candidate has a strong base in the region and demonstrated significant electoral strength there in previous contests.
Kwankwaso's remarks underscore the enduring significance of religious balance in Nigerian politics as the 2027 election approaches. With the APC ticket already set, the debate over the Muslim-Muslim ticket is likely to intensify, particularly as the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance seeks to position itself as a viable alternative.
