2027 Presidency: Muslim-Christian Ticket Will Boost APC Chances — Jude Idimogu

2027 Presidency: Muslim-Christian Ticket Will Boost APC Chances — Jude Idimogu

A former Lagos lawmaker, Jude Idimogu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a Muslim-Christian presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that religious balance would strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and enhance its electoral prospects.

As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, a former two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Omobowale Idimogu, has advocated for a shift in the APC’s presidential ticket composition to reflect religious inclusivity.

Idimogu, who represented Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II, stated that while the APC secured victory in 2023 with a Muslim-Muslim ticket, the party should consider fielding a Muslim-Christian combination in 2027 to foster broader national acceptance and confidence.

According to him, President Tinubu should consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a “strong Christian from the North” as running mate, noting that such a move would reinforce Nigeria’s secular identity and promote political balance.

He emphasized that the decision should be handled with sensitivity, recommending a private consultation between the President and Shettima to avoid internal discord. Idimogu further suggested that the Vice President could be given the opportunity to nominate a suitable successor, ensuring party unity.

The former lawmaker maintained that a balanced ticket would boost confidence among Christian voters and enhance the APC’s chances of retaining power, while also improving Nigeria’s perception among international partners.

In a related development, Idimogu urged the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to align politically with President Tinubu ahead of the next election cycle.

He argued that such an alliance would offer Obi a more strategic path to achieving his political ambitions, stressing that the President rewards loyalty and long-term support.

“Politics is about calculated alliances. It is not possible to unseat Tinubu in the current reality,” Idimogu said, adding that opposition efforts, including the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by coalition figures, may not be sufficient to defeat the incumbent.

He also advised southern political leaders to unite behind Tinubu’s re-election bid, warning that multiple candidacies from the region could fragment votes and weaken its political influence.

Idimogu stressed that zoning and political balance remain critical to national stability, urging stakeholders to prioritise regional cohesion and long-term strategic interests over individual ambitions.

While acknowledging the importance of opposition in a democracy, he maintained that broad-based support for Tinubu across regions would ultimately secure victory for the APC and promote national unity.