Boma Achenimie 
As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing renewed pressure to recalibrate his political strategy.
A prominent youth activist, Sunday Asuku, who serves as President of the North Central Youth Council, has called on the President to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima in favor of a Christian candidate with national appeal.
In a statement released on Monday, Asuku emphasized that President Tinubu’s choice of a running mate could significantly impact his chances of securing a second term.
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He argued that the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted in the 2023 elections remains a divisive issue and that a shift toward religious inclusivity is not only ethically necessary but also politically strategic.
“The 2027 elections will not only be a referendum on Tinubu’s performance; they will be a test of Nigeria’s commitment to unity, equity, and national cohesion,” Asuku stated.
“The choice of a Christian vice president should not be seen as a concession but as a strategic, ethical, and unifying decision.”
Asuku further noted that religious balance remains crucial in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multi-faith society.
He said replacing Shettima with a Christian running mate would symbolize a commitment to inclusion and address lingering concerns about political and religious marginalization in the country.
“Religious balance in leadership is not an outdated relic — it is a living necessity in Nigeria’s plural society,” he added.
“Tinubu’s opportunity to correct the 2023 imbalance and make a bold statement of inclusion must not be missed.”
The call comes amid ongoing debates over national unity and equitable representation, especially following the backlash over the all-Muslim ticket in the last presidential election.
As the race to 2027 begins to take shape, Tinubu’s choice of vice presidential candidate may prove to be a pivotal factor in shaping the political narrative and influencing voter sentiment across Nigeria.
