Minister Hannatu Musawa Issues Strong Warning to APC Over 2027 Ticket Configuration
Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, has issued a stark warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that any attempt to drop Vice-President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election could severely damage the party's electoral prospects. Musawa emphasized that altering the current religious and regional balance of the ticket presents significant risks that the APC cannot afford to ignore.
Preserving the Northern Muslim Representation
In a detailed interview on the MIC ON podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Musawa addressed widespread speculation that the APC might replace Shettima with a Christian running mate for President Bola Tinubu in 2027. She argued that removing a northern Muslim from the presidential ticket would likely trigger substantial resistance among voters in that region, potentially undermining the party's support base.
"If we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem. If there is no Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That's the reality of the way the people think," Musawa stated emphatically. She described this perspective as rooted in the deep-seated political identity of northern Nigeria, where civic engagement and electoral participation are viewed as crucial avenues for influencing national outcomes.
Understanding Northern Political Dynamics
Musawa, who hails from a rural area in Katsina State, provided insights into the political awareness prevalent in northern communities. She highlighted that even individuals with limited formal education remain highly informed about political matters through mediums like radio, particularly BBC Hausa, which has played a significant role in shaping political consciousness.
"I come from a very rural area in Katsina State. All my family and all the people that I know that have never been to school, have a radio. They will tell you about the Russian Revolution. BBC Hausa did what it was supposed to do," she explained. This widespread engagement, according to Musawa, makes politics a central aspect of northern identity, where families actively participate in elections as a means of asserting their influence on Nigeria's direction.
She elaborated further, noting that "When it comes to politics, the northern area really thrives on it. That is the one thing they feel they really have a lot of control over and power. So when you don't understand politics in the way that they do, you come at your own peril." This statement underscores the importance of respecting regional political sensitivities in national electoral strategies.
Assessing the Opposition Landscape
Musawa also offered a critical analysis of the opposition's chances in the 2027 election, describing current opposition parties as fragmented and driven primarily by individual ambitions rather than cohesive political agendas. She expressed skepticism about their ability to mount a successful challenge against the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
"To be fair, I think all of the members of the opposition are formidable people. But honestly, especially the way the opposition is emerging, I don't see how the opposition as it is now can unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima," she asserted. Musawa characterized the opposition as overcrowded with figures competing for the same leadership positions, creating what she called "a little bit of recipe for disaster" in terms of electoral coordination.
Potential Opposition Alliances and Limitations
The minister specifically addressed potential opposition alliances, questioning the feasibility of a joint ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. While acknowledging Atiku's political influence as "a patriot and a formidable Nigerian," she highlighted the practical challenges of such a partnership.
"If you put Mr Peter Obi together with Atiku Abubakar, well, somebody has to be president. So how is that going to be resolved? Is it going to be a combination of the 2019 ticket?" she asked rhetorically. Musawa suggested that neither configuration would satisfy both camps, noting that Obidients (Obi's supporters) would likely be unhappy with Obi as running mate, while Obi himself might struggle to galvanize core northern votes as he did in the previous election.
Dismissing Threats from Within
Finally, Musawa downplayed suggestions that former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai could significantly weaken APC support in the North-West region. She expressed doubt about his capacity to "injure" the president's vote base in that area, indicating confidence in the APC's continued strength in its traditional strongholds.
This comprehensive analysis from a key government figure provides valuable insights into the strategic considerations shaping Nigeria's political landscape as the 2027 elections approach, emphasizing the delicate balance of religious, regional, and political factors that will determine electoral outcomes.
