Nigeria’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu risks losing re-election in 2027 if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alters its current presidential ticket in a way that removes a Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim from the equation.
Musawa made the remarks amid growing speculation within political circles that the APC could consider adjusting the Tinubu–Shettima ticket ahead of the next general election. She cautioned that such a move would create serious political obstacles, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
According to her, the North’s political dynamics are deeply rooted in history, identity and perception of inclusion. She stressed that removing Vice President Kashim Shettima, or replacing him with someone who does not reflect the core Northern Muslim blocs, would be viewed by many voters as exclusionary and politically provocative.
“If President Tinubu dares to change the Muslim–Muslim ticket by removing Shettima, he will not win re-election,” Musawa said, adding that the absence of a Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on the ticket would constitute a major “hurdle” for the APC.
She argued that the success of the APC in 2023 was partly anchored on its ability to secure overwhelming support from key Northern constituencies, and warned that disrupting that balance could weaken the party’s electoral base.
Musawa also downplayed the strength of the opposition, describing rival parties as fragmented and lacking the cohesion required to defeat the APC — provided the ruling party avoids what she termed “avoidable strategic errors.”
Her comments have reignited debate over zoning, religious balance and regional representation ahead of 2027, with analysts noting that the composition of the APC ticket is likely to remain a defining issue in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.