By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA — The emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a northern Christian from Plateau State, as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reignited debate over the ruling party’s strategy for the 2027 presidential election—particularly the possibility of another Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Yilwatda’s appointment, ratified during the APC’s emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, followed the resignation of former Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, a Muslim from Kano State. Until his elevation, Yilwatda served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
While the appointment has been praised by some as a gesture towards religious inclusivity, political observers believe it may also be a calculated move by the APC to soften the ground for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to seek re-election as a Muslim-Muslim pair in 2027.
The 2023 Tinubu-Shettima ticket had stirred widespread criticism, particularly from Christian groups, who decried what they saw as a marginalisation of Nigeria’s religious plurality. Despite the backlash, the APC swept to victory. Now, with fresh speculation over 2027, that fault line appears to be re-emerging.
Strategic Shift or Political Balancing?
Following Yilwatda’s unveiling, some APC supporters, such as Ashiru Pandum—a special assistant to Bauchi Senator Abdul Ningi—touted the appointment as proof of religious balance within the Tinubu administration. In a post on social media, Pandum listed several key appointments held by Christians under the current government, including the Senate President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Service Chiefs, and the CBN Governor.
Yet critics argue that symbolic appointments have not translated into real gains for Nigerians, citing growing hardship and insecurity. “There’s hunger in the land. We should unite and sack them in 2027,” said Prince Ikenga NwaChineke, a member of the Obidient Movement.
Similarly, Abuja-based lawyer Opeyemi Bodunde viewed Yilwatda’s elevation as a strategic attempt to preempt backlash against another same-faith ticket: “Having a Christian chairman reflects political diversity and could pave the way for a renewed Tinubu-Shettima candidacy.”
Christian Leaders Divided
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North expressed caution. Its Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said while Yilwatda’s appointment may address representation concerns, debates over religious balance should not overshadow pressing national issues like insecurity and economic hardship.
“Those downplaying the Muslim-Muslim ticket do not understand how deeply Nigerians care about religious representation. But we also have bigger problems, killings, hunger, inflation,” Hayab said.
On the other hand, some prominent Christian leaders, including the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, and Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said President Tinubu had shown fairness to Christians in his appointments.
“Tinubu has demonstrated that he is not a religious bigot. What he has done for the church, he has not done less for the Muslim community,” Adegbite said.
Bishop Oke agreed, adding: “Our prayer is for a God fearing leader, not necessarily one based on religion. Tinubu has been fair to all sections of the country.”
Archbishop Isaac Ayo Olawuyi of the Lagos Methodist Church cautioned against reading too much into religious alignments. “Religion is not Nigeria’s biggest problem. If a Muslim-Muslim ticket brings good governance, then so be it. But a Muslim-Christian pairing in 2027 could also symbolise unity.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria offered a more reserved stance, urging Nigerians to observe political developments carefully. “We need to watch and listen more with care,” said Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, the Conference’s spokesperson.
An aide to the national CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, declined to comment, stressing that the decision of a running mate is an internal party matter.
Rifts Within APC?
Tensions over the 2027 race have also surfaced within the APC. In June, a North-East stakeholders’ meeting turned rancorous when top party leaders failed to mention Shettima while endorsing Tinubu for re-election. Some insiders saw this as a subtle signal of dissent over retaining the vice president.
Meanwhile, groups like the Arewa Youth Movement and Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah have urged Tinubu to pick a northern Christian running mate for 2027, warning that repeating the 2023 formula might alienate voters.
However, the Presidency has dismissed the debate as premature. “This is not an issue anymore,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. “Christians are living their lives. The President even attended the Pope’s inauguration. There is no agenda.”
For now, Yilwatda’s appointment has shifted the political calculus, but whether it’s a signal of religious sensitivity or a smokescreen for another same-faith ticket remains to be seen.