Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against any attempt to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu's running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning that such a move could severely damage the party's electoral prospects, particularly in northern Nigeria.
In an interview on the MIC ON podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, aired in late January 2026, Musawa addressed growing speculations within political circles that the APC leadership might consider swapping Shettima for a Christian candidate to balance the ticket religiously and broaden appeal in southern regions. She firmly rejected the idea, arguing that altering the current Muslim-Muslim configuration—established in the 2023 election—would create significant hurdles in the North, where identity politics and regional representation play decisive roles.
“If we toy with changing the construct of what we have now, it is a problem. If there is no Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That’s the reality of the way the people think,” Musawa stated. She emphasized that northern voters view the presence of a northern Muslim in the vice-presidential slot as essential for maintaining trust and influence in national decision-making. Removing Shettima or nominating a non-northern Muslim running mate, she said, would alienate core constituencies and risk substantial vote losses in states across the North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones.
Musawa, a Katsina State native with deep roots in rural northern communities, provided context on the region's political culture. “I come from a very rural area in Katsina State. All my family and all the people that I know that have never been to school, have a radio. They will tell you about the Russian Revolution. BBC Hausa did what it was supposed to do,” she explained. She described northern Nigerians as highly politically aware and engaged, with politics serving as a primary avenue for civic participation and national impact.
“When it comes to politics, the northern area really thrives on it. That is the one thing they feel they really have a lot of control over and power. So when you don’t understand politics in the way that they do, you come at your own peril,” Musawa added. She illustrated this with examples from grassroots communities, noting that even large extended families—such as a man with multiple wives and many children—mobilize en masse during elections. “They wait every four years to be able to line up... because that’s where they know they can have an impact in positioning Nigeria. For them, it is almost like an identity.”
The minister's comments reflect ongoing internal APC debates about ticket composition for 2027, as the party seeks to consolidate power amid economic challenges, security concerns, and opposition maneuvering. The 2023 Tinubu-Shettima ticket, which featured two Muslims, drew criticism from some Christian groups and southern politicians for lacking religious balance. Speculation about a potential change has intensified, with names like former governors or other northern figures occasionally floated as alternatives, though no official moves have been confirmed.
Musawa also expressed confidence in the APC's ability to retain power, dismissing the opposition's threat. She described the current opposition landscape as fragmented and self-undermining, with leading figures competing for the same top position. “To be fair, I think all of the members of the opposition are formidable people. But honestly, especially the way the opposition is emerging, I don’t see how the opposition as it is now can unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima,” she said.
Highlighting internal rivalries, she questioned the viability of rumored alliances, particularly between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Labour Party's Peter Obi. “Of course, Atiku Abubakar is a factor because he is a patriot and a formidable Nigerian. If you put Mr Peter Obi together with Atiku Abubakar, well, somebody has to be president. So how is that going to be resolved? Is it going to be a combination of the 2019 ticket?” Musawa asked rhetorically. She pointed out that a revival of the Atiku-Obi dynamic from 2019—where Atiku was presidential candidate and Obi vice-presidential—would likely alienate Obi's supporters (“Obidients”), while the reverse would struggle to mobilize core northern votes, as Obi failed to do significantly in 2023.
Musawa further downplayed the potential impact of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who has been critical of aspects of the Tinubu administration and rumored to be exploring independent or opposition paths. She stated that she did not believe el-Rufai possessed the capacity to substantially erode the president's support base in the North-West zone.
The minister's intervention adds to voices within the APC urging continuity on the ticket. Similar warnings have come from northern APC forums and stakeholders, who argue that maintaining the Muslim-Muslim pairing is crucial for turnout and loyalty in a region that delivered decisive margins in 2023. With the 2027 polls still over a year away, the debate underscores the delicate balancing act the APC faces: preserving regional and religious coalitions while addressing calls for broader inclusivity amid Nigeria's diverse electorate.
As preparations for party congresses, primaries, and campaigns intensify, Musawa's remarks serve as a reminder of the high stakes involved in ticket decisions. The APC leadership, including President Tinubu, has not publicly commented on the speculation, but internal consultations are expected to continue as the party aims to build on its 2023 victory and navigate economic reforms and security challenges.
