Hannatu Musawa Warns of Altering Tinubu-Shettima Ticket In 2027

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has warned that All Progressives Congress (APC) may significantly weaken its chances in the 2027 presidential election if it drops Vice President Kashim Shettima from the ticket, or fails to pick a northern Muslim to run with President Bola Tinubu in his re-election bid.

Musawa spoke at a recent episode of “Mic On Show” with journalist Seun Okinbaloye.

Her comments followed rising speculation that the ruling party might consider altering the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket with which APC won the 2023 election.

The minister cautioned that replacing Shettima or running without a northern Muslim would pose serious political risks for APC, particularly in the core northern states, where voting patterns were deeply influenced by regional and religious considerations.

Musawa stated, “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 explained that politics in northern Nigeria was deeply entrenched in social identity and historical voting behaviour, stating that the region remains one of the most politically sophisticated in the country.

Musawa dismissed suggestions that APC could easily reshuffle its presidential ticket without electoral consequences, describing such assumptions as politically naive and detached from northern realities.

Addressing the growing conversation around opposition alliances ahead of 2027, the minister expressed confidence that Tinubu and Shettima were firmly positioned to secure a second term.

She described the opposition as fragmented and overcrowded, with multiple political heavyweights competing for the same leadership space.

Musawa further stated that although APC welcomed a vibrant opposition as part of democratic development, the party was focused on strengthening its political base and consolidating support across the country ahead of the next election cycle.

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