The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has issued a strong warning to political parties against fielding Muslim-Muslim tickets in the upcoming 2027 general elections, citing concerns over religious marginalization in Nigeria's political landscape.

In a statement released on Monday, CONYL President General Goodluck Ibem expressed serious concerns about what the group described as "continued marginalization" allegedly experienced by Christian communities following the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 elections.

"The current religious imbalance in the executive leadership has raised genuine concerns among many Nigerians and contributed to a sense of marginalization among certain segments of the population," the statement read.

The youth coalition emphasized that their call for balanced tickets is not merely a political strategy but "a moral imperative rooted in the need to restore national unity, peace, and religious equity."

Call for Religious Balance

CONYL strongly urged all political parties, stakeholders, and power brokers to prioritize a balanced Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim presidential ticket as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

The group argued that a religiously balanced ticket would foster unity and inclusion by reflecting Nigeria's religious diversity, promote peace and interfaith harmony, address past imbalances, and set a standard for equity that future generations can build upon.

"A presidential ticket that combines both major religious faiths will address equity and fairness. Equal representation reflects the true spirit of democracy and acknowledges the diversity that defines Nigeria," the statement continued.

Background of Religious Tensions

The statement comes against the backdrop of the controversy that surrounded the 2023 presidential election when then-APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, selected Kashim Shettima, another Muslim, as his running mate. Despite significant opposition and concerns about religious marginalization, the APC ticket emerged victorious.

CONYL now alleges that Christians are being marginalized in the Tinubu-led administration and warns that continuing such a pattern could further deepen religious divisions in the country.

"It will rebuild public confidence as many Nigerians are eager to see leadership that embodies fairness, moderation, and inclusive governance. Nigerian youth are tired of politics that divide. We seek leadership that unites," the coalition concluded.