Fresh political discussions within Nigeria’s political space suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be quietly assessing a number of prominent northern Christian leaders as possible running mates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Reports monitored across print, broadcast and online media platforms have consistently mentioned former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa (retd); Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as figures whose names are said to be in circulation within ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) circles.
According to political observers, the considerations are believed to be part of early strategic thinking aimed at achieving religious and geographical balance, with all four personalities originating from predominantly Christian states in Northern Nigeria.
Analysts note that President Tinubu, as the APC’s likely standard-bearer, is constitutionally empowered to select his running mate from any part of the country in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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The renewed conversation follows sustained public criticism of the Muslim–Muslim ticket adopted by the APC during the 2023 general election, a development that sparked national debate and attracted attention beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Some observers recall that the arrangement also drew comments from international actors, including officials of the United States government, who at the time encouraged broader inclusion and balance in Nigeria’s federal leadership structure.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the leadership of the APC has made any official statement regarding the 2027 vice-presidential permutations.