ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger State Jonathan Vatsa, has faulted the reported decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election, warning that Christians would not support another Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Vatsa described the move as “a direct insult” to Christians, arguing that it was politically insensitive and could cost the ruling party significant support from the Christian community.
In a statement issued in Minna on Saturday, the former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said the factors that informed the adoption of a same-faith ticket in the 2023 election were no longer applicable.
“I think this is a grievous mistake by the APC. It is highly insensitive,” he said.
He further alleged that those pushing for the decision “did not mean well” for President Tinubu or the APC.
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“With the current situation in the country and the concerns over the safety of Christians, nobody expected the President to repeat this arrangement,” Vatsa said.
He maintained that convincing Christians to support the APC in the 2027 election would be difficult, particularly if rival political parties present Christian candidates.
“What do you expect us to tell the Christian community, to vote for another Muslim-Muslim ticket?” he insisted.
Vatsa, who recently called on Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago to choose a Christian running mate for the 2027 governorship election, said many Christians already feel insecure and would have greater confidence in a Christian vice-presidential candidate.
He cautioned that retaining the Muslim-Muslim ticket could have “grievous consequences” for the APC’s electoral prospects.
The APC chieftain, however, stressed that his comments were not directed against Vice President Shettima or the Muslim community.
“I have nothing against the Vice President or the Muslim community. I am speaking for equity, justice and fairness in the political arrangement of the country,” he added.