The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could weaken its chances in the 2027 general election if it removes a Northern Muslim from President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ticket.
Speaking on Mic On Show with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Musawa said altering the current Muslim–Muslim ticket could trigger political resistance across key northern states. Her comments come amid speculation that the APC may review its 2023 ticket arrangement.
According to Musawa, retaining a Northern Muslim running mate is critical to the party’s electoral strength in the region. She said removing Vice President Kashim Shettima or replacing him with a non-Northern Muslim would create what she described as a “political hurdle”.
“If there is no Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of the way people think,” she said.
Musawa stressed that politics in the North is shaped by long-standing structures and voter behaviour that parties ignore at their own risk. She listed states such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto as areas where voter loyalty and turnout remain decisive.
“The core North understands politics at a deep level. Politics there is a way of life,” she said, adding that voters in the region see elections as their main source of influence.
She dismissed suggestions that the APC could reshuffle its presidential ticket without consequences, describing such views as a misunderstanding of northern political dynamics.
“I think if we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem,” Musawa said.
On the opposition, the minister said current alliances lack cohesion and are unlikely to threaten the APC in 2027. She described opposition parties as divided, with several figures competing for leadership.
“You have an opposition that is overcrowded. Everyone is vying for the same spot,” she said.
Musawa added that while the APC welcomes opposition as part of a healthy democracy, the ruling party remains focused on consolidating its support base ahead of the next election.
