A socio-political group, the Oodua Youths Parliament (OYP), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider a change in the party’s vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the president to pick General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as his running mate.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group said its position was driven by the need for national unity, strategic balance and renewed public confidence in the APC ahead of the next election cycle. The youths argued that the choice of Musa would send a strong signal of inclusion and competence, particularly at a time when security and national cohesion remain major concerns for Nigerians.
According to OYP, General Musa’s professional background in the armed forces and his current role as Chief of Defence Staff position him as a figure capable of complementing President Tinubu’s leadership. The group described Musa as “disciplined, nationally acceptable and experienced in managing complex security challenges,” adding that his emergence on the ticket could help broaden the APC’s appeal across regions and religious lines.
The call also reflects ongoing political conversations about ticket balancing ahead of 2027. President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima contested the 2023 election on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, a decision that generated widespread debate across the country. As preparations gradually begin for the next election, several interest groups have renewed calls for the APC to consider regional and religious diversity in its top leadership choices.
However, the APC leadership has repeatedly stated that discussions about the 2027 presidential ticket remain premature. Party officials and allies of the presidency have dismissed claims that there is any official plan to drop Vice President Shettima, stressing that decisions on candidates would only be taken through established party processes at the appropriate time.
Political analysts note that the Oodua Youths Parliament’s intervention is part of a broader trend in which advocacy groups are seeking to shape early narratives ahead of 2027. While such calls do not amount to official party positions, they highlight the growing political manoeuvring and pressure already building around the next general elections.
As of now, neither the Presidency nor the APC has formally responded to OYP’s call, and General Musa has also not commented on the matter. Nonetheless, the statement adds fresh momentum to the evolving debate over who may eventually emerge as President Tinubu’s running mate if he seeks re-election in 2027.
Abuja Network News
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