Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has warned that any attempt by the All Progressives Congress to alter the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election could severely affect the party’s chances, particularly in the North.
The minister made the remarks during an interview on the Mic On Show, hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid speculation that the APC may reconsider the religious and regional balance of its presidential ticket.
Musawa cautioned that replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima, or nominating a non-Northern Muslim as running mate, would alienate the party’s core support base in Northern Nigeria.
“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of the way people think,” she said.
She argued that politics in the North is not only deeply rooted but also sophisticated and strategic, noting that voter loyalty and turnout in the region depend on how well parties understand local sentiments.
“The core North states, like Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto, understand politics at a very deep level. Politics is a way of life. People wait every four years to line up and vote because that is where they feel they have influence,” she said.
Musawa described as naive the idea that the APC could reshuffle its ticket without political consequences.
“If we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem. People who suggest otherwise may not fully understand how politics works in the North,” she warned.
Responding to concerns about growing opposition alliances ahead of 2027, Musawa dismissed the possibility of a united front unseating President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
“You have an opposition that is overcrowded. Every single member is vying for the same spot, and that alone creates a recipe for political failure,” she said.
She argued that while opposition figures remain active and vocal, their fragmented nature weakens their collective influence.
“We are not taking anybody lightly. But as the opposition is emerging now, I do not see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” she said.
Musawa added that the APC remains focused on consolidating its political base, while welcoming a strong opposition as healthy for democracy.
“It is good for democracy to have opposition. Nobody wants a one-party state. But we are confident in our political direction,” she said.
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