The Arewa Youths Movement has called on President Bola Tinubu to select a Christian vice-presidential candidate from Northern Nigeria for the 2027 election. They argue that this would address criticisms of religious imbalance in the 2023 ticket and enhance his prospects for a broad mandate.
In a statement to LEADERSHIP yesterday, the group’s National President, Amb Muhammed Saad Aboki, described Tinubu as a formidable contender for the 2027 presidential race.
He emphasised that choosing a Northern Christian running mate would strengthen Tinubu’s appeal, particularly in the Middle Belt and other Christian-majority areas of the North, which are often pivotal in Nigerian elections.
“A Northern Christian vice president would send a strong message of unity, inclusiveness, and sensitivity to Nigeria’s diverse religious makeup,” Aboki said. “It would counter the narrative that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is indifferent to Christian interests.”
The group highlighted that a Christian vice-presidential candidate could sway battleground states in Tinubu’s favour, potentially weakening the influence of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in these regions. Elevating a Northern Christian with significant grassroots support within the APC could bolster internal party cohesion and galvanise broader voter support.
The movement stressed that while Tinubu’s political capital and incumbency provide a strong foundation, his success in 2027 hinges on building a ticket that resonates with Nigeria’s diverse electorate.
“In a country where unity, representation, and inclusion are key pillars of democracy, this strategic move could be the masterstroke that delivers another electoral victory for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Aboki said.
