The Arewa Youth Movement has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to select a Northern Christian as his running mate in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, should he decide to run. According to the group, this would promote inclusiveness, national unity, and address the religious imbalance associated with the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the National President of the movement, Ambassador Muhammed Sa’ad Aboki, said such a strategic move would boost Tinubu’s support, especially in Northern Christian regions and the Middle Belt.

“Selecting a Christian running mate from the North would address the criticisms of religious imbalance and broaden Tinubu’s appeal,” Aboki stated.
“It would also demonstrate a sense of unity and sensitivity to Nigeria’s religious diversity.”

The youth group cited Tinubu’s poor performance in Christian-majority areas during the 2023 elections—such as the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and Plateau states—as evidence of the need for greater inclusivity on the APC ticket. They believe that the outcome highlighted the political cost of neglecting religious representation.

“Choosing a Christian Vice Presidential candidate from Northern Nigeria would not only help correct the imbalance of the 2023 ticket but also strengthen Tinubu’s chances of securing a wider national mandate,” the group noted.

They described their proposal as a “corrective measure” and a “gesture of goodwill,” urging the APC leadership to be responsive to the lessons from the last election and the growing demand for balanced representation in leadership.

Aboki also emphasized President Tinubu’s strong political influence and capacity to manage alliances, positioning him as a formidable contender in 2027 if he adopts a more inclusive strategy.

“His ability to mobilize political support and command loyalty within the APC makes him a strong candidate. But addressing past criticisms through thoughtful decisions is key to sustaining that momentum,” he added.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by Tinubu in 2023 faced widespread backlash from Christian groups and civil society organizations, who viewed it as marginalizing a significant segment of the country’s population.

With political conversations intensifying ahead of 2027, the Arewa Youth Movement’s stance reflects a growing push for equity, representation, and sensitivity in Nigeria’s electoral decisions.