A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Farouk Aliyu, has cautioned that the North may not be comfortable with a Christian-Christian presidential ticket, warning that such an arrangement could alienate Muslim voters in the region.
Aliyu, a former governorship candidate in Jigawa State, made the remarks during a media interview as discussions continue within political circles over possible permutations ahead of the 2027 general election. He noted that religious balance remains a sensitive issue in Nigerian politics, particularly in the North where Muslims constitute a significant majority.
According to him, fielding a Christian-Christian ticket could be perceived as sidelining Muslim voters, a development he said may weaken a party’s acceptance and electoral prospects in the region. He stressed that political strategy must take into account demographic realities and the need for inclusivity.
Aliyu argued that while competence and national outlook are important, political parties cannot afford to ignore the religious and regional sensibilities of voters, especially in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
He also referenced the controversy that followed the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC in the 2023 elections, noting that while the issue generated intense debate at the time, it has since diminished, adding that Christians are not being marginalised under the current administration.
The comments have added to ongoing national conversations about zoning, religious representation, and political balance, debates that are expected to intensify as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.
