Yilwatda’s Appointment as APC Chair Fuels 2027 Muslim-Muslim Ticket Speculation
Tinubu’s strategic selection of a northern Christian as party chairman revives debates over faith-based ticketing ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
The appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a northern Christian from Plateau State, as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reignited debates about the party’s potential direction for the 2027 presidential election particularly, the possibility of retaining its controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Yilwatda, who replaces former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, was unveiled during an emergency National Executive Committee meeting of the APC presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Until his appointment, Yilwatda served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Political observers see his emergence as a strategic move, possibly aimed at balancing religious representation within the party, while paving the way for another same-faith presidential ticket, which drew widespread criticism in 2023.
In the 2023 elections, Tinubu, a southern Muslim, selected Kashim Shettima, a northern Muslim, as his running mate a move that drew backlash from Christian groups and opposition parties, who accused the APC of sidelining religious inclusion.
Recent developments suggest that discussions around a Muslim-Muslim ticket for 2027 are far from over. Muslim and Christian advocacy groups have publicly expressed contrasting views, with some calling for a return to religious balance, while others dismiss the relevance of faith in governance.
In April and May, northern groups such as the Arewa Youth Movement and Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah urged President Tinubu to consider a Christian running mate in 2027, warning that another same-faith ticket could be politically costly.
However, the Presidency has downplayed the concerns. Speaking to Daily Trust, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga insisted that the administration’s inclusivity, not religion, should be the focus. “Christians are living their lives. There’s nothing to worry about,” he said, referencing Tinubu’s international engagements and appointments of Christians to strategic national positions.
Supporters of the APC have pointed to Yilwatda’s appointment as evidence of balanced representation. On X (formerly Twitter), Ashiru Pandum, aide to Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, highlighted the number of Christians in key government roles, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chiefs of Defence and Army Staff, and the Inspector General of Police.
Yet, critics argue that representation in appointments has not translated into improved governance. Prince Ikenga NwaChineke of the Obidient Movement criticized the Tinubu administration, citing economic hardship and insecurity as pressing issues that transcend religious identity.
Meanwhile, religious leaders offered mixed reactions. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab, acknowledged the sensitivity of faith in leadership, but cautioned against premature politicking. Similarly, Lagos CAN Chairman Bishop Stephen Adegbite praised Tinubu’s track record of fairness, asserting that the church has not been marginalized under his leadership.
Prominent voices within the Methodist Church and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria echoed similar sentiments, noting that Nigeria’s challenges are rooted more in governance than religious composition.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria urged Nigerians to remain observant and refrain from jumping to conclusions about the 2027 political landscape.
As the APC repositions itself ahead of the next general election, Yilwatda’s elevation has not only reshaped internal party dynamics but also reopened old debates about religious balance, national unity, and political strategy.
