The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 presidential election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the next general election, saying the issue remains politically significant.
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Kwankwaso said the same-faith ticket would continue to generate public debate ahead of the 2027 elections.
He expressed surprise that President Tinubu chose to maintain the same arrangement, noting that the President has often demonstrated a preference for balancing political appointments in other areas.
Kwankwaso suggested there is still an opportunity for the ruling party to review the ticket before the official substitution deadline if it decides to adopt a more balanced approach.
President Tinubu, a Muslim, selected Kashim Shettima, also a Muslim, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision sparked widespread discussions, with critics arguing that it did not reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.
Although the APC secured victory in the 2023 election, debates surrounding the same-faith ticket have continued after the President indicated that Shettima would remain his running mate for the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election as the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is now running as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Explaining the alliance, Kwankwaso said his understanding of Obi had grown since the last election, describing him as a committed leader who is focused on Nigeria’s progress. He added that both of them share similar ideas on governance and national development, making their partnership a natural one.
He stated that tackling insecurity would be the top priority of their administration if elected, pointing to the spread of violent attacks from northern regions into other parts of the country. According to him, restoring security is essential for national stability and development.
Kwankwaso also pledged to address economic challenges, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the education sector, arguing that meaningful national progress depends on sustained investment in education.
He further dismissed claims that Peter Obi lacks political support in northern Nigeria, insisting that the NDC presidential candidate has built a strong presence in the region and has demonstrated considerable electoral strength in previous contests.
