As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouq Aliyu, has argued that demographic considerations—particularly in northern Nigeria—make a Muslim–Muslim presidential ticket the most viable option for the ruling party.
Aliyu made the remarks on Friday while appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show, noting that electoral outcomes are often shaped by numbers and strategic calculations rather than emotions.
He stressed that decisions regarding the party’s presidential ticket lie solely with the APC and its candidate, adding that individual preferences must align with the party’s broader interests.
“I stand with my party because these decisions belong to the party and the candidate,” Aliyu said. “If, in the wisdom of the party and the president, another Muslim is chosen, so be it. And if a Christian is chosen, so be it.”
Aliyu also revealed that APC leadership has cautioned members—especially those who frequently engage with the media—against speculating about the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima or the party’s 2027 ticket.
According to him, such discussions are premature and could affect party unity.
“Our party has advised those of us who interact with the media not to speculate, particularly about Vice President Shettima,” he said.
Aliyu explained that whether the APC eventually opts for a Muslim–Muslim, Muslim–Christian or Christian–Christian ticket would be determined strictly by political considerations at the appropriate time.
“It is a political decision that will be made when the time comes,” he stated. “Any party can choose whatever combination it believes works best.”
He further argued that electoral strength—especially in the North—would be a major factor in shaping the party’s final choice.
“In my view, the numbers will matter when deciding whether to choose a Muslim or a Christian,” Aliyu said. “The figures clearly show that there are more Muslims in the northern part of the country.”
While acknowledging that parties could select Christian candidates from the North, he maintained that the numerical advantage of Muslim voters remains significant.
“There is no doubt that Muslims are more in the North,” he said. “So, from a numbers perspective, it would make more political sense for a party to go with a Muslim candidate.”