The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has cautioned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could jeopardise its prospects in the 2027 general election if it removes a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket.
Grassroots Parrot reports that Musawa made the statement during a recent episode of Mic On Show with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid speculation that the ruling party may reconsider the Muslim-Muslim ticket used in the 2023 presidential election.
According to the minister, dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima or replacing him with a non-Northern Muslim running mate would present a significant political challenge for the APC, particularly in the core northern states.
“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of how people think,” Musawa said.
She explained that politics in Northern Nigeria is deeply entrenched and highly nuanced, warning that decisions taken without a proper understanding of the region could have unintended consequences.
READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Declares January 23 ‘Betrayal Day’ As Gov. Yusuf Dumps NNPP
“The core North—states such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto—understands politics at a very deep level. Politics there is a way of life. Every four years, people line up to vote because that is where they feel they have influence,” she added.
Musawa dismissed suggestions that the APC could easily alter its presidential ticket without electoral repercussions, describing such views as politically naive.
“I think if we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it becomes a problem. Those who suggest otherwise may not fully understand how politics works in the North,” she said.
On the growing talks of opposition alliances ahead of 2027, the minister said she does not believe the current opposition configuration poses a serious threat to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima.
She described the opposition as fragmented, with multiple figures competing for the same leadership space.
“You have an opposition that is overcrowded. Every single member is vying for the same position, and that alone creates a recipe for political failure,” Musawa said.
While noting that opposition actors remain influential, Musawa maintained that the APC is confident of retaining power in the next election.
“We are not taking anyone lightly. However, based on how the opposition is shaping up, I do not see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” she said.
She added that although the APC welcomes a vibrant opposition for democratic growth, the party remains focused on strengthening its political base ahead of 2027.
“It is good for democracy to have opposition. Nobody wants a one-party state. But we are confident in our political direction,” she said.