Christian APC Chairman Fuels Speculation of Another Muslim-Muslim Ticket

The appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, a northern Christian from Plateau State, as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sparked renewed speculation that the ruling party may be preparing for a repeat of its controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2027 presidential election.

Yilwatda’s emergence last Thursday during an emergency meeting of the APC’s National Executive Committee—chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa—marks a significant leadership shift within the party. He replaces Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, a Muslim from Kano State, who stepped down citing ill health. Until his elevation, Yilwatda served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Political observers view his appointment as a calculated move that could shape the APC’s 2027 ticket strategy. Many see it as an attempt to cushion potential backlash should the party decide to retain its same-faith pairing of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The APC drew heavy criticism during the 2023 general elections for fielding a southern Muslim and a northern Muslim on its presidential ticket—an unprecedented decision in the party’s history.

Although the pairing ultimately delivered electoral victory, it provoked strong reactions from religious groups and civil society actors who accused the party of disregarding Nigeria’s religious diversity. The debate never fully died down and has flared up again with Yilwatda’s new position, which some analysts say could be a signal that the APC plans to hold firm on the same-faith formula.

Reactions have poured in from various quarters. Aides and allies of APC lawmakers have pointed to Yilwatda’s appointment as further evidence of the administration’s religious inclusivity. One such aide, Ashiru Pandum, listed key Christian figures holding top government positions—among them the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and several ministers. He argued that Christians have benefited significantly under the Tinubu-Shettima government.

However, critics remain unconvinced. Prince Ikenga NwaChineke, a prominent member of the Obidient Movement, questioned whether the appointments have made any practical difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He cited ongoing economic hardship and insecurity as proof that symbolic religious balance has not translated into meaningful governance.

Others have interpreted Yilwatda’s elevation as a strategic trade-off—one that allows the APC to retain its Muslim-Muslim pairing while pointing to a Christian party chairman as evidence of religious diversity.

Legal and political analysts have also weighed in. Abuja-based lawyer Opeyemi Bodunde argued that the appointment reflects the complex religious makeup of Nigeria and may be part of a broader electoral strategy to maintain party unity while minimizing backlash. According to him, the youthful and technocratic profile of Yilwatda could also help attract younger voters.

The religious community remains divided. Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, voiced concern over the implications of another Muslim-Muslim ticket, warning that such a move could stoke unnecessary tension. He also urged political leaders to prioritize pressing national issues like insecurity and hunger over electoral calculations.

By contrast, other religious leaders expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, regardless of the religious composition of the presidential ticket. The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said Tinubu has governed fairly and shown no religious bias. He maintained that what matters most is competent leadership.

Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, echoed this sentiment, recalling that many Christians had initially feared marginalization under the Tinubu-Shettima administration, but had instead seen signs of inclusive governance. He said the church had not been treated unfairly, and that Tinubu had supported Christian communities as much as the Muslim ones.

Still, some voices called for a more cautious approach. The Archbishop of the Lagos Methodist Church, Most Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, stressed that governance should not be reduced to religious considerations. He acknowledged Nigeria’s pluralistic nature but cautioned against inflaming religious sentiments in a time of national hardship.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria also weighed in, urging restraint. Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, spokesperson for the conference, advised Nigerians to stay observant and resist jumping to conclusions as political developments unfold. Meanwhile, the office of CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh maintained its longstanding position of staying neutral on partisan political issues.

As the 2027 general election looms in the distance, the APC’s latest leadership reshuffle has reopened old wounds and freshened longstanding debates. Whether the party ultimately repeats its 2023 formula or adjusts its strategy, the conversation around faith, representation, and political identity is far from over.