A prominent Nigerian activist has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Christian running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sunday Asuku, president of the North Central Youth Council, made this call in a statement released on Monday, emphasizing that Tinubu's choice of running mate could significantly impact his re-election prospects.
According to Asuku, replacing Shettima with a Christian candidate would serve as "a deeply strategic, ethical, and stabilising move for the future of Nigeria's democracy" rather than merely symbolic gesture.
The activist outlined several reasons for his recommendation, including the need for religious balancing, addressing concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket of 2023, and promoting national unity, inclusivity, and diversity.
"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."
He further emphasized that religious balance in leadership remains a "living necessity in Nigeria's plural society" and urged the President not to miss this "opportunity to correct the 2023 imbalance and make a bold statement of inclusion."
Asuku specifically recommended that Tinubu should select a Christian vice presidential candidate with national appeal to strengthen his position for the upcoming election cycle.
The statement comes as political stakeholders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections, with various groups already expressing their intentions regarding Nigeria's political future.
